An injury-ravaged Mid Canterbury Combined outfit will be hoping to muster its last scraps of energy with plenty still to play for in its final two games.

Combined play their final home game today in Ashburton against St Bede’s College, who themselves have a lot at stake amid moving day in the UC Championship.

The Christchurch school sits in sixth spot on the championship ladder after being held to a 27-all draw at Marlborough Boys’ College last week.

The side is well placed to gun for a top four berth ahead of a final week meeting with Timaru Boys’ High and will be steeled for battle today.

Mid Canterbury Combined meanwhile limp into this week off the back of a heavy injury toll, with some key personnel gone for the season, and an 80-point humbling at the hands of a ruthless Christchurch Boys’ High side.

Avoiding the spoon will be an accomplishment for the young contingent, compared to the bigger and more experienced lineups it has squared off with this season.

The MCC boys are two points ahead of the bottom placed Lincoln Combined and on season form and considering Lincoln’s remaining opponents, it should be enough.

Although it would be a massive ask and would probably require at least a bonus point today and again next week in Blenheim, catching Roncalli Aoraki Combined on the ladder is a feasible objective, and one which gives the Spartans next two hitouts some purpose.

Roncalli overtook Mid Canterbury on the ladder last week after picking up a bonus point when the side was pipped 27-26 by Waimea Combined.

If Mid Canterbury Combined were to somehow overtake Roncalli, it would put them in line for a UC Championship bowl final playoff.

The Guardian understands however that in the midst of a largely makeshift rugby season. the need for playoff matches outside the top four is under review by Canterbury Rugby.

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 5 September 2020