This weekend saw the second week of the Michael Duff Memorial trophy and the Luisetti Combined competition. All eight of the local Senior B sides were involved in some close games. All but one of the local Senior sides in the Luisetti Combined competition were in action over the weekend with Methven having a bye. The Celtic women were also in action during last week as well. 

In the Michael Duff Memorial trophy there were intriguing games right across the board. Celtic and Methven squared off last Thursday night under the lights at Celtic. Methven ran away 26-7 victors in the game, running in four tries to one. Rakaia and Allenton played in the closest game of the weekend as Allenton won 26-22. The teams were only seperated by goalkicking as Allenton kicked three of four of their conversions and Rakaia only kicked one of four. Hampstead were relatively comfortable winners over Southern as they used the home ground to their advantage, winning 33-19. The win puts Hampstead on top of the table after the opening couple weeks of the tournament. In the last game of Senior B round, Mt Somers played against Collegiate at Collegiate. Mt Somers had a comfortable 35-8 victory, which makes them two wins from two games this season. 

The Luisetti Combined competition was back in action this weekend and there were mixed results for  the local Mid Canterbury sides. Celtic played against Glenmark at Celtic, it was a back and forward game that Celtic managed to get on top of, winning 24-19. Celtic's outside backs were devastating, giving Glenmark's backs troubles all game long. Celtic's wingers, Raitube Vasurakuta and Nicky Brown, scored three of Celtic's four tries to seal the game for Celtic. Southern played against Ohoka at Hinds Domain in what was another relatively close game. Southern won 46-31 in what was a very high scoring affair. Southern number eight, Maukie Otukolo, and winger, Thomas McCormick both picked up two tries in the high scoring game. In the last game of weekend, Rakaia came up against a very good Saracens side at the Rakaia Domain. It was a game that Rakaia would rather forget losing 71-7 to the top of the leader board side in Pool C. 

The Celtic women were in action last week as well against a very sharp Lincoln side. Lincoln came out on top 104-0 in what was a tough day at the office for the Celtic women. Lincoln is first equal in the Canstaff Women's Open grade competition and haven't conceded a point over their first three games. The Celtic women have a game at Celtic this weekend against the University of Canterbury side at 1pm. If you are around this weekend, head down this Saturday and support them. 

It was a good weekend of rugby for our local Mid Canterbury sides and this weekend is shaping up to be a good weekend of rugby with the Bruce Beckley shield up for grabs with Mt Somers playing against Rakaia in the Senior B competition, all local sides are on the road in Luisetti Combined competiton and the Celtic women play at home against the University of Canterbury side. 

Article added: Tuesday 26 April 2022