North Otago/South Canterbury 29 August
North Otago snatched defeat from the jaws of victory when after leading South Canterbury 22-6 at halftime flew the white flag in the second half as the visitors stormed back to a 26-22 win as the North Otago fitness disappeared especially amongst the tight forwards.North Otago began in brilliant fashion with Joe Mamea taking the kick off on his 22 and bursting 50 metres downfield to the South Canterbury 22 where the visitors were penalised and fullback Peter Breen kicked a penalty.South Canterbury fullback Kayne Wahlstrom kicked the first of his four penalties three minutes later but it was North Otago that took control as the South Canterbury tactic of kicking deep was not backed up by a sound defensive screen and consequently North Otago ran the ball back at the opposition with fervour.Five minutes later North Otago right winger Ofa Fatai took the ball up for player/coach Mike Mullins to set up the ruck ten metres out. Tighthead prop Palenapa Mafi cleared the ball to his left where centre Tane Puki had the pace to beat the defence on the outside for an unconverted try.
North Otago Rugby Review
A polished Otago Country XV claimed another Heartland scalp when it defeated one of last years semi finalist’s North Otago 33-21 at Whitestone stadium on Saturday. Previously Otago Country had lost to Wairarapa-Bush(23-26) and beaten Horowhenua-Kapiti(20-3) on a northern tour.
North Otago Rugby Review
Town was flattered by its 48-8 win over Country in the traditional feature played at Whitestone Contracting stadium on Saturday.Town dominated the game territorially in the first half but went to the break with a 15-3 lead.Country had the better of the possession for the first 15 minutes but Town broke into Country’s half and from a rolling maul Town left winger Vilisi Rayabo used his pace to score an unconverted try.Country’s Hamish McKenzie slotted a penalty in the 20th minute but Town had the better of the last ten minutes led by Joe Mamea and Paulo Fonokalafi. Fonokalai ran 25 metres to score as the tacklers stood off for Forrest to convert and five minutes from halftime Forrest kicked a penalty.
Dad’s a champion…
North Otago rugby great Barry Fox declared his glittering career closed after he helped Valley win the Citizens Shield on Saturday. Fox (33) walked off Whitestone Contracting Stadium a happy man after his beloved club held off a spirited Athletic side 14-12 in a thrilling final. In a decade as North Otago captain, Fox was always front and centre, playing hooker and leading the side in a remarkably successful era. On Saturday, he was tucked away in Valley’s second row, playing just the final, tense 10 minutes. After the game, he celebrated with wife Rebecca and their three daughters and confirmed that was that. “I let the boys know during the year that this was going to be my last trot”, Fox told the Otago Daily Times.”There are other things calling for me now. I’m going to enjoy some golf.”
