This weekend saw a full compliment of local rugby on show across Mid Canterbury. The teenage rugby returned with the under 14.5 sides playing against each other, the two local Mid Canterbury under 16 sides played each other and the under 18’s kicked off their season. There was a full schedule of senior men and women’s rugby as their season progressed. 

In the Luisetti Seeds Combined competition, Southern went up against Darfield on the road. It was a mid-table clash as the two sides were only separated by a couple of points on the table. It was extremely close in the first half as there was two points difference at the halftime break. Unfortunately, in the second half Southern couldn’t get their noses in front as they suffered a 29-15 loss. Celtic hosted Methven in a Watters Cup match up and the Max Gilbert Challenge Cup game. It was an incredibly physical match up with both sets of forward packs smashing each other. In the first half the two sides could barely be separated as they went into the break with Celtic taking a small 15-14 advantage into the break. The second half was still close, but Celtic were able to take the victory 27-17. In the last Luisetti Seeds game of the weekend Rakaia faced off against Lincoln-Rolleston at Rakaia. The home side were desperate for the win as they were yet to win a game. Rakaia got off to a flying start in the first half as they went into half-time with a 21-10 lead. The second half was more of the same as they came away with a 31-22 victory. 

In the Senior B competition there were high level matchups across the weekend. In the first game, Celtic hosted Methven. The home side were too strong in this game as they won 33-17. Celtic showed a full team display as they had six different try scorers in the game. Rakaia hosted Collegiate in the second game of the weekend. Rakaia got off to a good start in the first half as they had a 17-12 lead going into the break. Collegiate had a massive second half fight back as they ended up winning the game 40-24. In the last game of the weekend, Mt Somers hosted Allenton. Mt Somers had a strong start in the first half as they went into the break with a 13-7 lead over Allenton. Mt Somers couldn’t capitalize on their first half lead as Allenton came back to win a very close game 22-20. 

In the Senior Women’s competition, the Celtic women side travelled up to Christchurch as they took on the Suburbs side. The Celtic side were on the hunt for their first win of the season and that showed as they produced a 26-22 victory. They’ll be hoping to keep their good form going this weekend as they face top of the table Christchurch Football Club away from home. 

The Allenton Colts hosted Ashley as they were looking for their first win of the season.  There was plenty of improvement shown by home side but unfortunately, they suffered a 26-50 loss. This weekend they go up against the Lincoln Bales side who are also on the hunt for their first win of the season. 

The Alps under 18 team began their season with a game against Leeston in Leeston. It was the sides first hit out as a team and the early signs were positive as they won 17-14 to begin their season in style. In the Under 16 competition, it was a local derby to kick off the season as Methven played against Plains side at Celtic. It was a typical local derby that was a close hard-fought encounter, the Plains side edged a 19-17 victory to begin their season in style. Once again in the Under 14.5 competition, it was another local derby to begin the season as the Alps played against the Plains at Hampstead. The Plains side were in red hot form as they won 44-24 over the Alps. 

Article added: Monday 01 May 2023