The Senior and Senior B season came to an end over the weekend as both the Watters Cup and second grade final were on show at the Showgrounds. In the Watters Cup, Methven and Celtic went head-to-head which was guaranteed to be a high-level game and very evenly matched sides. In the Second Grade Final, Celtic went up against Hampstead which was bound to be an exciting match between two very good teams. It was also playoff time in the teenage competitions with several local sides in playoff games. 

In the Watters Cup final, Celtic and Methven went head-to-head. Their previous encounters have all been hotly contested games that have come right down to the wire. This final was no different with the game being an extremely physical and nail-biting affair. Neither side shyed away from the physical contact. In the end Celtic were able to come away with a hard fought 30-22 victory to cap off an incredibly successful season. Celtic’s wingers and brothers, Jone and Raitube Vasurakuta were on fire as they both scored two tries in the victory. The victory caps off an amazing year for the Celtic senior sides as they have already won the Luisetti Seeds Combined competition and taking out the Watters Cup, have written themselves into the history books by being the first side in Mid Canterbury Rugby to do so. 

In the Second Grade Final, Hampstead and Celtic went head-to-head. It was bound to be an exciting game with these two sides being two of the better attacking sides in the competition. Hampstead were looking to win back-to-back Second grade titles and Celtic were looking to add another trophy to their cabinet this season. Celtic were on fire right from the opening kickoff as they dominated the game from start to finish. Celtic won 41-14 thanks to an eleven-point haul from first five, Jayden Faunge and a double to winger, Albert Hobson. 

In under 16 action, it was a local derby and third and fourth playoff between Plains and Methven Combined at Collegiate. This was a fantastic game of rugby with both sides having plenty of opportunities to win the game. In the end the Plains were able to win the game 21-17. The two teams play again this weekend in the local Under 16 finals. 

In Under 14.5 action, the Alps hosted Rangiora Gold at Collegiate. It was a fifth versus sixth matchup, so it was bound to be a hard-fought game for both sides. Unfortunately, the Alps ended up losing 19-47. The Plains went up against Rangiora Green at Collegiate, The Plains were looking to continue to their good form as they have only lost one game this season. It was a very close game with the Plains winning 24-15. 

The Mid Canterbury Combined first fifteen were closing out their round robin play as they hosted Rangiora High School first fifteen at Collegiate. It was an intense game as it determined who hosted the semifinal this weekend. The physicality level of this game was through the roof as both sides were desperate for a victory. In the end Mid Canterbury Combined were able to come away with a 17-14 victory.   

Article added: Wednesday 26 July 2023