This weekend saw the return of Watters Cup action for our Senior sides as Celtic looked to continue their run of form against Southern and Methven took on Rakaia. Senior B rugby rolled on for another week with a mixture of high scoring games and nail-biting performances. The Celtic women were in their first-round playoff match against Hornby. 

In Watters Cup action, Southern were looking to put an end to Celtics unbeaten run as they hosted them. Celtic were coming off a win In the Luisetti Seeds Combined competition final and were looking to keep their good form. In true local footy fashion, it was an absolute dogfight between the two sides as the game was always there for the taking. Southern were in the lead at the halftime break as they were up 13-7. Celtic made a comeback in the second half through early tries to fullback, Sam Pearce and midfielder, Isireli Masiwini. Celtics reserve winger, Elyh Mckibbin, sliced through Southern’s defence to snatch the win away from Southern as Celtic won 28-25. Methven hosted Rakaia in the other game of the weekend. It was one way traffic for Methven as they ran away with a 29-3. Methven’s second five, Tom Reekie, had the ball on a string as he kicked fourteen of Methven’s points. 

Senior B action continued with Southern hosting Celtic in a game that Southern needed to win to keep in touch with the top half of the table. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for the home side as they fell to a 31-15 defeat. Celtic were firing on all cylinders as they had five different try scorers in the match. Methven senior b’s hosted Rakaia in a high scoring match. Methven were too superior on the day as they won 62-15 as they keep in touch with the top half of the table. Collegiate hosted Mt Somers as the home side were looking to get off the bottom of the ladder. Mt Somers was too strong as they won 56-14. Mt Somers first five, Jack Holland-Spinks, was on fire as scored twenty-six of Mt Somers points, scoring two tries and kicking eight conversions. Hampstead hosted Allenton in the closest game of the round. It was a hard-fought battle from start to finish as Hampstead snuck home 17-15 over Allenton. Hampstead’s back, Jr Titi Esau, was in tremendous form for the home side as he scored fifteen on Hampstead’s points, from two tries, a conversion and a penalty.

The Celtic women took on Hornby in the fifth and sixth playoff game at Denton Park. The Celtic women were on fire as they won the game 38-10. 

The Allenton Colts closed out their season with a game against Hurunui at Allenton. The Allenton Colts side had improved over the whole season and were hoping to end their year on a high. The home side were able to finish their season with a 27-12 victory. Allenton’s center, Devon Flannery, had a stellar game as he finished up with seventeen points in the victory. 

The Mid Canterbury combined boys first fifteen had a midweek game against Roncalli at Mt Hutt College. MC combined were looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season, and they did so in superb fashion with a 50-7 victory. Number eight, Dave Pio, started and finished the scoring for MC combined as he dotted down for a double. 

The MC combined girls first fifteen went up against Geraldine at Hinds. MC combined were looking to bounce back from a defeat against St Kevins/Waitaki girls. MC combined were able to hold off Geraldine as they won 25-10 as they remain in second place on the ladder. 

The Under 18 Alps side hosted Timaru Boys White at Hinds over the weekend in an incredibly close game. A late try to reserve back, Semisi Paiaaua sealed a 26-21 to the Alps side as they remain in the top three of the Under 18 competition. 

In Under 16 action, the Plains side travelled to Rhodes Park to take on Waihora. A strong second half by the Plains managed to see them win the game 31-20. The Methven combined Under 16’s hosted Hurunui in a game that had top four implications for the Methven combined side. The home side were able to comfortably win the game 38-13 to stay in the top four. 

In Under 14.5 action, the Plains side travelled to Amberley as they took on Kaikoura Under 14.5’s. It was one way traffic for the Plains as they won 70-5. The Alps Under 14.5’s hosted Hurunui at Hampstead. The Alps were on fire as they cruised to an 82-0 victory over Kaikoura. 

Article added: Tuesday 27 June 2023