Frank Carran applied the pressure to beat Limehills in 1977...

Riverton took a clear lead in the Central Western 1977 competition with a sound win over Limehills, who was in second on the ladder.  The score of 21-6 was a greater margin than the pundits thought it would be.  With three games to go the combined contest looked to be a battle between the Riverton team and the Limehills team.  They met on the last round of the championship which was fitting.

It was all about the pressure that Riverton applied to the strong Limehills team.  Everyone thought it was going to be a tight battle in the forwards.  Although Limehills was without Dave Saunders they were a strong enough pack to be able to wear down Riverton, but it was not to be.  Limehills came out firing but it was the loose led by Frank Carran that pushed Limehills into making mistakes and in the end it was the errors that cost them the game.
Riverton:  Alan Ronald (2), B. Thompson (1) Phillip Laurie (1) Murray Heath (1DG), Norman Cleaver (1Con)
Limehills:  Ross Mangles (1PG) (1DG)

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Central Pirates beat Wrights Bush in 1977

Central Pirates forwards were the ones in control against Wrights Bush when they won 7-3 in a tight game.  It was a great game to watch for the rugby enthusiast as the scrummaging and rucking were fiercely competitive.  But it was the second phase play where Central Pirates had the edge and that was because of lock, John Weisma who is 6ft 6" and uses his height well.
Central Pirates:  F. Norman (1), Kevin Hamilton (1PG)
Wrights Bush:  Alistair White (1PG)

Nightcaps beat Otautau 16-9
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It was all about Nightcaps making the most of their opportunity and finding the weak link in Otautau's changes in the scrum.
Nightcaps:  R. Sharp, E. Boult (1), R. Valli (1Con) (2PG)
Otautau:  P. McPhail (1) A. Dickson (1Con) (1PG)

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Drummond beat Winton Star 25-6
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Drummond took control of the game and even with the inclusion of Leo Boyle, a Southland representative could not make the difference they needed.  
Drummond:  D. Cook, E. Edgerton, John Lindsay, (1) T. O'Meara (3PG), (2Con)

Reference:  Convincing Riverton Win.  The Southland Times 25 July 1977