The Highlanders have praised grassroots rugby, referring to those who battled through last week’s snowstorm as “absolute legends”.

As Matakanui Combined and Upper Clutha prepared to take to the field for Omakau’s Country Day on Saturday, snow began to fall, thick and fast.

But, determination set in and the game went ahead, watched on by many spectators from the comfort of their vehicles.

Those who did brave the sidelines captured some of the action on their phones, including Chris Pemberton whose footage found its way to the Highlanders’ marketing team and now features on the team’s Facebook page.

Heavy snow fell throughout the game. PHOTO: Arna Irvine

Spectators take to the sidelines to support Matakanui Combined and Upper Clutha during heavy snow on Saturday. PHOTO: Scott Pollard

Highlanders marketing manager Amanda Gould said the dedication from both teams to continue playing in the wintry conditions was a true characteristic of the region.

She said the players showed “dogged determination, competitiveness and the desire to continue playing, not for yourself but for your team”.

Amanda said while the Highlanders had experienced some “trying weather conditions” during their Carisbrook days and at other venues, she did not believe they had played in snow like Saturday's conditions.

And, with a roof over the Highlanders’ home field at Forsyth Barr Stadium, it meant that is unlikely to happen in the future.

She said teams are guided by the tournament manual as to what conditions they can play in.

If weather started to impact the integrity of the fixture, match management would make the call to continue, or stop playing, she said.

“However, once the game starts the team is always reluctant to call it without a result.”

Matakanui Combined Rugby Football Club president Steve Hore said there was no question whether or not the game would go ahead.

“We were always going to keep playing.”

The game finished with Upper Clutha taking home a win, with a final score of 34 - 13.

But, the dedication both teams showed towards their sport and commitment to their teams in trying conditions was something they could be proud of.

“We would expect nothing less from grassroots rugby in the Highlanders region - absolute legends,” Amanda said.

The Highlanders are currently celebrating their 'club round', which offers all registered junior club players and their coaches throughout Otago, Central Otago, Southland and North Otago, free entry into the game.

So far, there have been more than 1000 free tickets distributed.

A large portion of those redemptions have been made by Otago country clubs this year, including those from smaller areas like Kurow, which have provided busses to get their players to the games.

On Sunday, the Highlanders will play against Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium at 2.30pm, a fixture which has freed all Highlanders players up to get out on the junior rugby field on Saturday morning to ref junior club rugby.

Read more: Heavy snow surrounds the Maniototo

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