North Otago claim victory over Mid Canterbury
North Otago have moved back into the top two in the Heartland Championship, scoring 6 tries in a 34-10 vicotry over Mid Canterbury in Oamaru on Saturday.
The win ensures North Otago retain the Hanan Shield, having won it in Round 1 against South Canterbury, as well as putting the side into a good position of making the Meads Cup semi finals with one round to go.
Lemi Masoe got the home side off to a good start, scoring a try in the opening couple of minutes as the Old Golds looked to play an open attacking sort of game.
Marcus Balchin helped himself to a try moments later, intercepting a wide ball throwen on the Mid Canterbury tryline and walking in for an easy five pointer.
Mid Canterbury's Corey McKay kept the vistors in touch when he kicked a penalty, closing the gap to 10-3 before North Otago went on the attack again. Ralph Darling added the third try for North Otago with 15 minutes left in the first half.
North Otago continued to score tries in the opening half as they searched for an important bonus point. Replacement number 8, Jake Greenlade scored try number four while Meli Kolinisau scored just before halftime to give the home team a handy 27-3 lead at the break.
A second try to Darling early in the second half brought North Otago's try tally to six for the match as the second half became more even.
Mid Canterbury flanker Kody Nordquist added a try for the vistors but it was a case of too little too late, North Otago claiming maximum points with a 34-10 win.
North Otago 34 (Lemi Masoe, Marcus Belsham, Ralph Darling 2, Jake Greenslade, Melikisua Kolinisau tries; Robbie Smith 2 con)
Mid Canterbury 10 (Kody Nordqvist try; Corey McKay con, pen)
HT: 27-3, North Otago.
Photos: Phil Janssen/RINO