Central Otago Premier rugby sides are over the midseason hump and preparing for the bumpy competitive descent towards the season-ending final. 

A glance at the table tells the season's story so far. 

The Upper Clutha Rams were faultless in the first round, with the slightly wounded Cromwell Goats sitting in second place, followed by 2022 champion side Wakatipu Premiers, who now seem to be finding the precious form that eluded them early in round one.   

Cromwell Goats club captain Russell Decke admits the side has had a “couple of lapses” but is tracking well heading into the second half of the competition. 

The two losses have come to the sides that seem to present the greatest threat, Wakatipu Premiers and their lakes district neighbours, Upper Clutha Rams.

“We're going alright; we've just had a couple of lapses here and there; the boys are pretty happy with being second in the competition at this stage of the season,” Decke said. 

He believes the competition is one of the better seasons there have been in a few years, with enough surprises to keep the supporters interested. 

“Anyone can beat anyone on the day,” he said. 

“Wakatipu looks like they're on the comeback; they're always a beast.

“And we’re watching the Alexandra boys; they’ve had a really good season.” 

This weekend the Cromwell side will be hoping for “no lapses” as they head through the gorge to take on Arrowtown at home.

“Arrowtown are always a tough prospect on their home turf. We’ll need our supporters on the sideline this Saturday,” Decke said.

Round two week one draw. Kick-offs at 2.30pm Saturday (May 20)