Mid Canterbury Combined’s Michael Hennings puts on a fend on St Andrew’s lock Ben Farrell during the sides’ UC Championship thriller at the weekend. Photo Robyn HoodForegone conclusion right?

Not on Mid Canterbury Combined’s watch.

Perhaps the unbeaten frontrunners of the UC Championship were lured into a false sense of security at the weekend, against one of the competition’s bottom teams.

Whatever the bottom line was, a brave Combined side went just shy of causing the biggest boilover of the competition against St Andrew’s, behind closed doors at Ashburton College on Saturday.

A late try by centre Isi Saumaki ensured STAC escaped with a 35-30 win to keep their winning streak intact, now extended to nine games, as they hold an eight point lead at the top of the championship.

However it was a close run thing, as Combined picked up a bonus point, and even had a chance to snatch it at the death as the home team hammered away at the St Andrew’s line.

Despite the defeat, it was a remarkable performance from Combined, who led 24-14 at the break as the usually resolute STAC defence was opened up.

The 30 points Combined scored were the most STAC had conceded in a game all season, and only Christchurch Boys’ High School had gotten as close to them on the scoreboard.

Adding to the off-the-wall theme of the day was the fact the game was played with no spectators under Alert Level 2 restrictions, as some reportedly used their cars as viewing platforms.

Mid Canterbury Combined were only able to field a 21-man squad after suffering a withdrawal on the morning as the injured Caleb Ward took a spot on the bench, only for the team to lose outside back Cade Whittaker during the warm-up.

Charlie Brown nudged Combined ahead with an early penalty, however STAC responded with the game’s first try following a lineout.

The visitors stretched their lead soon after when first-five Jack Harding dummied from first receiver to go in under the posts untouched as the competition leaders raced to 14-3.

At this point it was going to script, but then Combined started upping the ante at ruck time as they established some field position.

The side worked their way into STAC’s 22 before lock Pasi Hala hit a superb ball on the angle and powered through several defenders to score under the crossbar.

Combined kept the squeeze on before the hosts claimed the lead after replacement Taurangi Daniel chased and seized a fortuitous bounce off a blindside kick to round the posts.

The home team delivered another blow before halftime, when Thomas Patterson dotted down courtesy of some wily footwork, with Brown adding the extras for a deserved 10-point lead at halftime.

St Andrew’s came out firing early in the second stanza, with a five-pointer to get the deficit back to three.

Combined hit back when Brown kicked his second penalty of the day as the hosts refused to relent.

Down 27-21, STAC began emptying the bench as some fresh legs gave the side some impetus.

A converted try then handed St Andrew’s the lead as Combined fought valiantly to go with the UC powerhouses.

In what was a fluctuating second spell, Brown banged over another penalty with six minutes left on the clock, with a massive upset looking well and truly on the cards.

Combined were unable to hold on as STAC’s imposing midfielder Isi Saumaki ran through the home team on the kick return to give his side the lead with full time nearing.

The Mid Cantabrians got themselves into position for one last launch, pinning STAC on their line, however a winning try eluded them as a turnover sealed a lucky escape for the competition leaders.

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 18 August 2020