Only one team left with unbeaten record
The wrap
And then there was one! We had three unbeaten teams heading into Easter and bang, it goes pear-shaped. The playing-through champs GI had cut a swathe through the competition early, but completely fell apart at the Greenhouse last Thursday as their old nemesis Varsity ran riot all over the park. The game was in the bag for the Bookworms by halftime. Dunedin finally decided the season has started and put nearly 60 on AU at Tahuna Park. They stymied AU's attack with punishing defence and when the game opened up in the second spell they scored some outstanding team tries. In the late game at the stadium, Southern and Zingari played a game of touch for most of it and racked up nearly 90 points. The Magpies had a bit more class and pace out wide to win the game comfortably. Conversely out at the Eelpit, Taieri and Harbour played out a very tense, tough affair. The Eels scored two tries to zip and still couldn't win. Impressive Harbour first five Rique Miln kicked five penalties, the last close to fulltime, to make his team the only unbeaten one left in the comp. We now have three teams tied at the top, and there are only three points covering the top five.
Faux pas extraordinaire
A little birdie tells me the Taieri Eels faithful are less than impressed with the Varsity Bookworms post-match performance after their game at the Varsity Oval a couple of weeks ago. The Eels upset Varsity that day in a cliffhanger and they were playing for the Paul Sapsford (Sapper) Memorial Trophy. Sapper was an AB as you will all know, who from memory played for Varsity before seeing the light and ending up on the Taieri. Now as it goes, Varsity held the trophy, which is very dear to Eel hearts (do eels have hearts?), and they were very keen to get their hands (what hands?) back on it. Unbelievably though, when it came time for the presentation — no trophy! Apparently it was presented the following week to the team in the Taieri changing rooms. Shame on you, Varsity, but a salient lesson for all clubs — you need to get these traditions right! For example, Varsity are playing Dunedin for the Jonathan Keogh Trophy, which is very special to both clubs. I think the Sharks hold it so make sure it is at the Oval tomorrow!
Don't send ''fogeys'' to do ...
AU haven't had a great start to the season, but I think I know why. At halftime in the AU v Sharks game at Tahuna Park with the score at a manageable 19-0, I noticed two old, ancient, decrepit life members from the ''Shetland Ponies'' limping out to join the players' huddle. Now I'm not sure what came out of their toothless mouths tactics-wise when they offered up their pearls of insanity, but AU ended up losing the game by 60. Not totally sure who they were, but it could have been Wheels and Big Mel ... but don't take that to the bank!
Milestones
Taylor Fiddes, the Taieri winger and club stalwart, clocks up 50 games this weekend when he suits up against Southern — good on ya, mate. But bigger news coming out of Matak (although it's been sent by pigeon, so the facts aren't quite clear!). The word is No8 Dean Sinnamon is about to crack 100 games for the Omakau-based Matakanui team. They haven't been having a great trot over the last couple of seasons, so to reach a 100 (still working on when, but it's close!) will be an outstanding effort. His old man Graham is the guest tipster this weekend, and he doesn't know when it is either!
This weekend
Destroyed Max Chu last weekend, so I'm back on the horse in a big way. On to Otago and Black Stick hockey maestro Benji Culhane, who I hope is a better tipster than his old man Simon.
AU are at home to Kaik (13+) and this game only goes one way, sadly. The Kaik loosies and their backs will be too mobile and skilful across the park for the AU team of battlers. The Johnny Keogh is on the line between Dunedin and Varsity and I think the Sharks (12-) hold it and Varsity will be desperate to reclaim it.
Varsity on form should hold too many guns for Dunedin but the Sharks have had the wood on the Bookworms lately, so I'll lean that way. Unbeaten Harbour host GI and should go in as favourites. But I hear they may have a few out and Hastie is back in the Landers, so GI (12-) might just get up but it will be close. Southern are at home to Taieri and this is too close to call as well. I'll take the Magpies (12-).
I'm up against the president of the Omakau Trotting Club, the club that has the most successful meeting in the country, but I'm not sure if he knows anything about rugby, so another easy win. Matak host Upper Clutha (13+) and this only goes one way — the Wanaka lads in a landslide! The Maggots host Wakatip (13+) and sadly I'm predicting the same result. The townies will devour the Maggots. In the closest game of the round the Arrrowtown Bulls (12-) will get it done just from the Cromwell Goats.
paul.dwyer@alliedpress.co.nz
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