Waiau Star win Central-Western rugby competition in 1977..

Waiau Star looked certain to win the Central-Western combined competition when Drummond beat Nightcaps 9-0 the previous week.
Waiau proved too strong for Limehills, who were weakened with the loss of Des Langford and Murray Mitchell.  Waiau won 10-0 and which sealed them the competition winners.

Waiau Star's forwards were the dominant force, and gave their team the territorial advantage.  
Waiau did not get it all their way though, with John Summers and Alister Martin making some good runs.  Summers who was playing for Limehills ironically had played for Waiau Star only weeks prior. Limehills would have feared better if these two backs were supported.
Only 36 points had been conceded by Waiau that season.  Mick Eason and Alan Glyn had been prominent for their team with the latter and Walter Clark scoring making the score 10-0. There were no further points added.
Another back to impress for Waiau was Phillip King whose long raking kicks kept his team inside Limehill's half more often than not.
The outstanding forward on the paddock was Harry Rua the Limehill's prop, who was in the thick of it all day.  A former Counties representative he showed he had the skill and strength.

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Drummond v Nightcaps

Although Drummond won a lot more possession and dominated the loose and tight exchanges, it was their backs that failed to take the opportunities that were given to them.  Scoring was by way of a John Scott try,  Wayne King kicking a drop goal and Bill Lindsay a penalty goal.
Cliff Cochran, Rod Donald, Bill Lindsay were the best of the Drummond pack with David Reid working hard for Nightcaps.
Full Back, John Forde for Drummond and his opposite Terry Egan both performed well, especially the latter who had to withstand a lot of pressure.

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Central Star v Otautau

 Central Star drew with Otautau 8-8.  It was credit to Central Star as they were not only at the bottom of the competition but were down 0-8 at one stage during the game.
Encouraging players were Jim Gilbert, first five eight, who linked well with his brother, Noel Gilbert at half back and Jim Lambie who created the points. 
Otautau looked flat and lacked the drive of previous games, and were lucky not to have been beaten.  They may have been missing their skipper, Alistair Smith.  Otautau winger, Stewart Manson though played up to his usual high standard.  
Neil Drysdale the Central Star hooker, won several tight heads and was well supported by Donald Middleton.


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Wrights Bush v Ohai

Wright's Bush general, John Hall scored two tries against Ohai to give his team a 11-6 win.
Ohai started with just 12 men and only reached full strength just before the end of the game.
In spite of this though they ripped into rucks and mauls like men possessed and won some valuable ball off their opposites.
The score at half time was only 8-3 to Bush, which showed the intensity Ohai was playing at.
Brian Small's absence no doubt affected Ohai's chances.
Albert Anderson, hooker for Bush proved the oustanding loose forward on the field.  Daryl Watson scored the other points for Bush by kicking another five points.

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Riverton v Central Pirates

Riverton won this game 13-9 after leading 13-6 at half time.  It was all about the fend in this game with Gavan Burns fending off four would be tacklers to score.
Central Pirates though was not going to be outgunned, with Maurice Lake, fending hard to score after a move that started on Pirates 25-yard line, which was their only try.
Playing well were Murray Heath, Alan Ronald, Murray Anderson and Peter Dawson for Riverton and Ron Hamill for Central Pirates at full-back.