Brian McDonald key to Wrights Bush win in 1988....

Brian McDonald who was playing for Wrights Bush in 1988.

It is 1988 and the fourth round of division two in Southland Rugby premier grade had just been played.  This round saw Marist and Riverton opening up a handy lead over the rest of the comp.

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Marist V Collegiate

Collegiate were clearly the underdog in this game, but gave Marist a scare  and were winning 3-0 until 10 minutes remained. 
Joe Rangi was successful with a penalty goal and that was it for 70 minutes.   The pressure was on Marist, which saw them make a lot of mistakes - especially in the backline.
It took a 70 metre effort which saw a fine try scored by Graham Laidlaw, lock for Marist, was converted by Gary Vui and he added a penalty goal soon after.
Hui Smith and Terry Brown were handy for the Marist forwards, with Sean Hogan linking well at half back. 
Collegiate's key players were; Duncan Maxwell (lock) and Peter Cooper (centre).

Drummond V Otautau.
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On a sodden ground, Drummond got their first win of the season - 24-8.  They ran in six tries with five coming from the wingers, Michael Ryan and Grant McCrostie who played well considering the conditions.
The backline was on fire, and this was helped by full-back, Kevin Burns running in and linking up to create an overlap.
John Lindsay was his usual confident player at first five eight.
James Miller was excellent at hooker and was supported well in the tight by Maitland Leith and Mike Shields.  
Otautau did not retreat and fought hard, with Geoff Carlton at half back and Chris Carran playing at flanker, who was most effective round the rucks.
Drummond:  Michael Ryan (3), Grant McCrostie (2), Gary Horner (1)
Otautau:  Geoff Carlton, Allan Carron (1).

Wrights Bush V Winton

The wet conditions hampered the ball handling, but Wrights Bush were happy with the outcome of 10-6.
The Bush forwards had the edge with Brian McDonald in the lineouts and hooker, Keith McKenzie dominating play.
Bruce Winter played a typical half back game, making dabs round the scrums.
Flankers for Winton, Bill Hamiton and Bill Riordan were the best for their team and especially the former who kept the score to what it was by challenging  the ball all game.
Grant Anderson, second five eight scored a brillant individual try when he took the ball at the 10 metre and crashed through the Bush defence line to score.
Wrights Bush: Boo Puki (1) Andrew Holden (2PG)
Winton:  Grant Anderson, (1), Kevin Dyer (1Con)

Riverton V Waiau Star

Riverton won against a depleted Waiau Star team with Riverton's first five eight Paul Aukistino, kicking constantly down Alister Sanford's throat, at full back for Star. 
Sandford was equal to the challenge, and had plenty of time to get under the ball in the high winds.
Riverton forwards dominated with Frank Carran outstanding, Campbell McManaway and Matthew Adams good support.
Brian McDonald the Waiau Star's prop was strong and supported well by flanker, Robert Harpur.  Sanford and half back, Gerry Adams were good in the backs.
Riverton:  Paul Aukistino (2), Roger Johns (1PG)
Waiau Star:  Frank O'Brien (1)

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