Mid Canterbury took on South Canterbury over the weekend in a top four clash at the Ashburton Showgrounds. This game was Mid Canterbury's charity game for the season, the Hammers charity was the Meningitis Foundation of Aotearoa, NZ. The game was all set to be a physical and high level affair as it was a rivalry game for the both sides. Mid Canterbury needed points to keep them in and around the top four and South Canterbury needed a win to keep their unbeaten run of games alive and to keep them on top of the leaderboard. 

The game exceeded all expectations right from the opening kick off as both teams started the game with an intensity of finals rugby. The contact was immense from both sides forwards and the backs were trying to put their mark on the game. Neither side could be separated in the first half as the score was 8-6 in favour of South Canterbury. 

The second half was much the same in terms of the intensity from both sides. South Canterbury started to gain momentum in the second half as the tries started to flow for the visitors. The Hammers kept themselves in the game by scoring a try to keep the scores close. Unfortunately for the Hammers, South Canterbury were too strong on the day as they won 36-13.

Mid Canterbury's point scorers were prop and co-captain Adam Williamson was the home side's lone try scorer. First five Nathan McCloy kicked a conversion and two penalties. 

Next weekend the Hammers head to Whanganui to take on Whanganui in the final regular season game. It's an important game for the Hammers as they need points to keep them in the hunt for finals rugby. 

Article added: Monday 03 October 2022