David Laurie key in Riverton to beat Limehills in 1976......

Limehills and Riverton were the only two unbeaten teams in the 1976 Central Western competition and an interesting statistic showed Riverton had scored 17 tries in four games while Limehills had only scored five.  But as had been the tactics for the season Riverton are concentrating on their loose trio led by David Laurie to gain as much possession as possible as they know the link between the backs and forwards in Murray Heath will ensure the ball gets out wide.

In contrast Limehills were looking to gain their possession from tight play which means 10 man rugby will be the name of the game.  
It was going to be interesting to see the battle between the two half-backs, Murray Heath for Riverton and Bruce Winter for Limehills.  Both have different attributes, with Heath strong around the scrum and can make quick "Going" dabs, whereas Winter is faster in the open and is creative with his play.
Riverton probably had the stronger backs with Heath and Brian Thompson combining well, and quick wingers, Gordon Lewis who is always looking for work and Gavan Burns.
Riverton will be led aptly by Henry Agnew an experience prop who will match the Limehills opposites.
But Limehills could not be discounted with Ross Mangles and Murray Mitchell in good form.  
Experience in Lindsay Tulloch, Keith Finn and Trevor Saunders are great scrummages and will win their team ball from this area.
Dave Saunders the Southland captain in 1975, will lead his team by example.
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Wrights Bush and Central Pirates meet in Central Western competition in 1976..

It was going to be interesting with the absence of Leicster Rutledge from the Wrights Bush, as he had the All Black trials to attend.  Wrights Bush have skill in the backs with John Ellis directing play from first five eight and with Max Anderson, Barry Howden and Gavan McPherson all with pace should see some good tries scored.
Beset with injuries, Wrights Bush and it was important for them that the strong pairing of Jim Phair and Forrester Norman are playing.  Both of them are solid runners with experience to find the gaps and manipulate the opposition.
The clash between the locks would be interesting and with Colin McDonald and Terry Cocker in the Central Pirates side and also the Central representative team they will be looking to win the set pieces.
Peter Wishart is having a cracker season for Central Pirates at flanker, where he showed promise as a schoolboy.  

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Combination of John Patterson and John Lindsay for Drummond - key to win

This combination and support from Kevin Munro and Graham Spittle would be the key in beating Winton Star.  The Winton Star backs were still finding their way but it is a team that can upset at any stage.
Malcolm Walker is a match winner under certain circumstances - especially when the game is gritty and Brian Rabbitt is steady at first five eight for Winton Star.  One player that was impressing was Graham Muir  who was the top try scorer.
Winton Star would have to tighten up in the forward to be more effective  and this has to be lead by captain, Terry Boyle.  

Reference: Chance for Limehills, Riverton.  The Star Times 1976