Otago B beat Mid-Canterbury

Otago B played the Mid Canterbury Heartland Cup team in what is becoming a regular pre season run for both teams. This was the second match for Otago B and the first for Mid Canterbury.  It was played at the neutral venue of the Valley RFC in Weston, North Otago being a half way point for each side.

The field was affected by heavy overnight rain and both teams were soon indistinguishable as the field turned into a mud bath.  Otago took early control and scored after two minutes through captain Adam Hill. This was converted from wide out by Cam Rutherford.   After nine minutes lock forward Josh Townsend crossed after some more good work by the Otago forwards. Rutherford missed the conversion and also missed a penalty after 15 minutes.

Halfback Lewis Hancock scored a good try in the 21st minute wrong footing the defence after some good interplay between backs and forwards. Rutherford converted and also knocked over a penalty in the 28th minute to give Otago a handy 22-0 lead at halftime.

The pace of the game slowed in the second spell as the heavy ground took its toll on players from both sides.  Fullback Peter Breen scored after 55 minutes with a good team try as the ball was moved from side to side. Prop forward Dane Maraki scored his second try in two games in the 75th minute to round out the scoring.

The match was hard fought and after conceding an early lead Mid Canterbury fought back well to deny further scoring chances until late in the game.

The Otago set piece was dominant throughout and showed the benefit of some early training’s and combinations. Despite the conditions both teams tried to move the ball which made for an open spectacle.  The final score was 32 - 0 to Otago B.