Riverton at top of Central Western Competition in1978....

Riverton remains unbeaten in the Central Western Rugby competition by beating the other remaining unbeaten team, Central Pirates and Riverton now with a two point lead over Limehills and Drummond have a game in hand.

Strong driving mauls and set scrums ensured RIVERTON got the win over Central Pirates, which was unexpected as Central Pirates playing at home were expected to win the battle.  When CENTRAL PIRATES did win ball it was wasted by their backs who either kicked it away or mishandled it.  
Riverton's ball they won was all quality and was put to good use by winger, Gavin Burns.   Burns scored one try and set up a stirling try for Alan Ronald who penetrated the Central Pirate's defence and with his strong running shook off three tackles.   Riverton led 12-7 at halftime.
For Riverton Norman Cleaver kicked two conversions and two penalty goals. For Central Pirates, M. Brown and F. Norman scored tries and T. McKenzie kicked a penalty goal.
WINTON got off the bottom of the ladder with a convincing win over WAIAU STAR  at Tuatapere.  Winton put on 7 points in the first 20 minutes and then had to hang on grimly with Waiau Star never giving up and constantly attacking.  Winton would have breathed a sigh of relive from Waiau Star's poor ball handling which left them off the hook on many occassions.
David Ward scored all Winton's points for the 4th time this season with a try and a penalty goal and L. Grey scored a try.  Score 7-4.
LIMEHILLS beat OHAI NIGHTCAPS in a low scoring but exciting game.   There was little between the teams with the taller forwards of Ohai Nightcaps having the edge in the lineouts, where David Greer and Peter Sinclair were excellent for Ohai Nightcaps.  Limehills was well served by Keith Finn who is only having his second game after a serious injury.  Murray Johns kicked a penalty goal making the score 3-0.
DRUMMOND started the game with a hiss and a roar and went on to beat OTAUTAU 33-6.  They played a great open game with strong running and continually beat the defence.  The backs were thankful for the great ball they got from their forwards by fine driving in second phase.  Otautau continued with over kicking which meant they were handing the ball back to Drummond which they continually run at them. John Lindsay the Drummond first five showed why he is considered one of the best in the province his leadership, strong running and completed understanding of the game was instrumental in Drummond winning.  Lindsay went on to score two tries.

Reference:  The Southland Times May 1978  

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