House of Paint College Rovers, Envirosan Old Boys and Acer Durban Collegians head up the log standings at the halfway stage of the Premier Division competition as the clubs turn to contest the second half of the Moor Cup league with all to play for. Jonsson Crusaders are still strategically placed in fourth spot and will clearly be considered the biggest threat in the second round as they will be the club least affected by the provincial call ups in the second half of the season. The club with the most depth will undoubtedly hold out for the remainder of the season, which has become a fascinating battle of the so called big five.

Rovers played some of their best rugby this season in beating their hosts Crusaders 26-12 scoring four tries through wing Braden Ferreira, flanker Justin Downey, hooker Craig Burden and scrumhalf Neil Cole for the all-important bonus point. Flyhalf Guy Cronje concluded their scoring with three conversions. Crusaders looked good in the first half staying in touch with their Sharks strengthened visitors with some nice touches. Scrumhalf Mickey Malloy who improves with every outing kicked three well-judged penalties and his halfback partner Graham ‘Tommo’ Thomson slotted a well-executed drop goal.

Durban Harlequins Airtron Coastal travelled to the Capital to thrash Maritzburg Varsity 72-7 raising a few eyebrows in the process. Clearly the Bluff club needs to stay out of the promotion-relegation zone as they start their path to rebuilding the status of their club. They have shown in the last few weeks that they can produce the results if need be. In the other games Old Boys wing Lwazi Mvovo raced in for four tries in his side's 56-0 win over Thanda Zululand Rhinos and Durban Collegians beat ChemSpec Jaguars 48-0

In the Under 20 ‘A’ Division Rovers had their vice-captain, flank Brynard Stander in outstanding form with four tries in his side's 111-0 thrashing of a brave Crusaders side who never gave up. Flyhalf Patrick Lambie, a huge talent if ever there was one, scored a try and converted 13 of the 17 tries scored for a personnel tally of 31 points. In the other games Empangeni chalked up a surprise 19-19 draw with Old Boys while Midlands edged out Harlequins 35-32 and Durban Collegians strolled to a 67-7 win over Jaguars.

In the First Division Amanzimtoti now look like odds on favourites to win the South Section of the competition after narrowly beating Hillcrest 21-16 at Lahee Park while Rovers hold the aces in the Third Division Walker Cup league and Durban Collegians' fiery fourths look as though they could well have their name engraved on the Foaden Bowl once again.

So as the clubs prepare for the second round, Rovers lead the way in all the competitions that they are entered in but it still not plain sailing and we are sure to see a lot more intrigue as the season unfolds.

- Jos Robson - The Mercury