The Southern Region Development team have come away from Alexandra with a 19-13 win over Central Otago in the curtain raiser to the Topp Cup match.

The wind was always going to play havoc in this match, it was just a case of whichever team adapted first would more than likely take the win. Southern played with the wind behind them in the first half but struggled to use it to their advantage. Central opened the scoring the lock Stefan Blakeborough as they looked to assert their dominance up front. Southern finally managed to find field position and from there, scored through first five Logan Cornish who looked to have had a shocker before beating five people to cross the line handy to the posts. Ethan Jane converted to put Southern in the lead. Cornish was in the action again moments later as he intercepted a pass to run forty metres to extend Southern’s lead. Jane kicked the conversion to give Southern a 14-5 lead at the break.

The second half was a scrappy affair with plenty of mistakes from both sides. Passes didn’t stick and continuous knock on’s and forward passes scuppered any momentum either side would create. Lineouts were abysmal thanks to the wind and the scrum battle was fairly even for the most part. Central managed to score midway through the second half through replacement winger Daniel Adam after a Brady Kingan penalty had closed the gap further. Southern led 14-13 with less than ten minutes to go and managed to force their way down field where captain Josh Turnbull scored what would be the match clinching try. Central threw everything they had at Southern at the end of the match, but the Southern defence held strong for the win. The second win in a row for the Development team after their last match in 2019 was also a positive result.

Josh Turnbull was a beacon of light up front for his side. Turnbull led from start to finish, ran the ball well and didn’t miss a tackle. Number eight Conor Beaton also had a strong match with ball in hand, making plenty of metres. Flanker Liam Turnbull was a nuisance over the loose ball and secured numerous turnovers. Logan Cornish and Sean Aitken-Boyle were the best of the backs with limited opportunity thanks to the conditions. Tyson Adams and Josh Cook added power and patience off the bench.

Central were served well up front by hooker Brad Allan and lock Stefan Blakeborough who got through plenty of work up front. Jesse Porter and Taura Wilson were the pick of the Central backline. Daniel Adam and Adam Fleming made their presence felt off the pine.

Southern Region Development 19 (Logan Cornish x2, Josh Turnbull tries; Ethan Jane 2 con) beat Central Otago Development 13 (Stefan Blakeborough, Daniel Adam tries; Brady Kingan 1 pen) HT 14-5

Article author: Francis Parker

Article added: Tuesday 08 June 2021