Russell Excell leads Nightcaps to a win over Otautau in Southland rugby 1976

Nightcaps were keen to payback Otautau for their first round loss and won 12-4 on a pretty average ground.  This meant most of the play was done by the forwards.

Although Nightcaps won the game through their forwards, Coach, Kevin Laidlaw introduced a full back,  who was the most piercing back on the field.  (who was this?)
Nightcaps forward pack was led by Russell Excell and with support in the lineouts from John Levitt and Robbie Turner, supplied good ball to the backs who did not take the opportunities given to them.
The Otautau forwards played a very loose game, which did not conflict any sort of deterrent on their opposite pack even though Russell Bye and Noel Gutsell tried as hard as they could to stem the flow.
Otautau's Allan Dickson had one of his better games of the season, even though he was under a lot of pressure. 
Both sides lacked some key players but in saying that there were still a lot of competent players to ensure a good game of rugby.
Nightcaps: R. Valli (2) N. Lynch (1)
Otautau: Allan Dickson (1)

Reference: "Drummond Deserves Win over Riverton" The Southland Times June 1976