Watters Cup action provided all the entertainment over the weekend as two entertaining matchups took place. The Centennial Mug action continued with four senior b matchups taking place over the weekend. 

In the Watters Cup competition, Rakaia hosted Southern in. a game where both sides needed a victory to stay within distance of the top two sides. It was an incredibly exciting game with both sides putting on a show for the fans. In the end it was Southern who took the spoils as they won 24-22. Southern’s first five, Ben Early, kicked nine points off the boot which proved to be pivotal in the victory for Southern. Methven hosted Celtic in what was a top of the table clash. The game didn’t disappoint with the game coming right down to the wire. It wasn’t until a late penalty to Methven’s reserve back, Reuben Early, that the game was decided as Methven won a nail-biter 33-32. Methven’s winger, Hugh Griffiths, was in try scoring form as he dotted down for a double in the victory. 

In Senior B action, Methven hosted Celtic in a game where Celtic were trying to extend their lead at the top of the table. It was a competitive match for the most part but Celtic picked up the competition points as they won 32-15. Celtic’s first five, Jayden Faunge, was at his point scoring best as he scored seventeen of Celtics points. Rakaia hosted Southern in a high scoring game. Southern were at their very best as they won 41-5 for their second win of the Centennial Mug round. Southern’s Levi Hart and Luke Clucas were in try scoring form for the visitors as they crossed over for two tries each. Allenton hosted Mt Somers in a game between two sides in the top four. The game delivered on all the expectations as it was a hard-fought game for the full eighty minutes. Mt Somers was able to come out on top with a 23-19 win. Mt Somers first five, Jack Holland-Spinks, had an impressive all-round game as he scored thirteen of Mt Somers points. Collegiate hosted Hampstead in a game that the home side needed to win to keep their season on track. Hampstead prevailed 33-17 victors in a high-level game. Hampstead’s, Ioane Kasiano, was at his best as he crossed over for a double in the victory. 

The Mid Canterbury Combined first fifteen travelled to Christchurch as they took on St Thomas second fifteen. It was a top four matchup with both sides looking to keep in touch with Christchurch Boys second fifteen. It was a typical top four matchup with points at a premium. The Combined side won a close game 19-7, to keep them in the top four. 

The Under 18 Alps side were on the road as they took on Oxford Under 18’s. The Alps side were looking to further solidify their spot in the top four with a win. Unfortunately, the Alps slipped to heartbreaking 17-18 loss in a close game from start to finish. 

In Under 16 action, Methven combined were on the road as they took on West Melton. It was a top four clash West Melton only losing game in the season thus far. It wasn’t Methven Combined day as they suffered a 15-36 loss to a very good West Melton team. The Under 16 Plains side were also on the road as they took on Rolleston College in another top four clash. Rolleston were the team to beat as they are unbeaten on the season so far. The Plains side put up a hell of a fight but ultimately fell short as they lost 12-35. 

In Under 14.5 action, The Plains were on the road as they took on Rolleston College 14.5’s. It was a first versus second matchup with the Plains side unbeaten on the season. Unfortunately, they suffered their first defeat of the season as they went down 12-29 as they slipped to second on the table. The Alps Under 14.5’s hosted the West Melton Under 14.5’s. The Alps were looking to gain some consistency on their season as they are mid table. The Alps were too strong on the day as they picked up a 66-31 victory. 

Article added: Tuesday 04 July 2023