Bain McCall steals six tightheads in Edendale's win over Pioneer in 1986.....

Mataura and Albion played a sterling game in 1986 and a lot of spectators thought it was the game of the season in the Eastern competition.  The game was played at pace from the first whistle and after 15 minutes, Terry Ashby, first five eight for Mataura kicked a drop goal.

With half time showing up on the clock the referee awarded a penalty try to Albion's Craig Pullar, when he was taken out of play by Mataura's full back Dave Goodard, while chasing a kick through.
15 minutes into the second half, Albion's lock, Gary Cowan scored wide out.
Albion was leading when John Archer, first five eight found a gap and fed Craig Pullar who raced 50 metres to score.
Albion had a one point advantage but a penalty was awarded to Mataura and the "ever reliable" Ashby found the uprights and gave his team the win.
Mataura: Gary Cowan (1) Terry Ashby (1Dg 1 Con 1PG)
Albion: Craig Pullar (2) Jack Pay (1 Con)

With Edendale dominating the forwards they managed to beat Pioneer 15-3. Edendale lock, Blair McVicar completely dominated the lineouts, while hooker, Bain McCall took six tightheads and was supported well by Percy Robinson.
Second five eight, Gavin Yates played well in the backs.
Pioneer did not give up and put their hearts into the 80 minutes with Brian De Groot, Michael Henley and winger, John Kubala all having strong games.
Edendale:  Michael Cunningham (1), Dave Cowan (1) Peter Cairns (1) Alister Sinclair (1 PG) Tua Raroa (1 DG)
​Pioneer:  Tony Mathias (1)

Waikaka downed Wyndham on their home patch, but it was Wyndham that was first to score with a well deserved try to hooker Paul Edwards after a lot of forward pressure.
John Chittock for Waikaka replied with a great try which was converted by Brian Dickison.
Waikaka:  John Chittock (1) Donald Morrison (1) 
Wyndham: Paul Edwards (1) Selwyn Winter (1PG)

Waikaka had its first win of the season when it beat Mossburn 6-3.  The forwards for Waikaka kept heaping the pressure on and were rewarded with a try to their prop Raymond Dickey.
He gathered the ball up from a scrum and barged his way through to the line.
Minutes later, Dickey tried the same thing by switching to No 8 in the scrum but Waikaka had woken up to this tactic and bought him down quickly before he could get the momentum.
Waikaka: Raymond Dickey (1) Stewart Stalker (1Con)
Mossburn: Craig Fairburn (1PG)

Lumsden beat Te Anau 15-6.  
​Peter Richards for Te Anau scored the only try of the game from a solid backline movement.
David Montieth and Richards showed a good understanding with their forwards Russell Kelly and Ewan Thompson having good games
Lumsden:  P Richards (1) D. Monteith (1Con) (2 PG)
Te Anau:  T. Waiwiri (2 PG)

At Athol the much improved Country Pirates dominated play over Balfour with a dominating forward pack and winning 10-0,  with Gavin Keenan and Bruce Wilson both putting in good games.  In the back line Tony Hunter (first five eight) and David Selbie (second five eight) both played well and used their pace to find the gaps in the Balfour's defence. 
Paul Woods, Charlie Garnham and Allan Thomson stood out for Balfour and support also came from Bill Wilson (half back) and Roger Allen (first five eight)
Country Pirates:  David Selbie (1), D. Hunter (2 PG)

Reference:  The Southland Times June 1986