Country holds off Nelson Bays

Canterbury Country dug deep to hold off Nelson Bays for a 32-28 to open the South Island rugby premiership in Culverden on Saturday.

Country held a 15-point lead at the break, having trailed 14-0 early on, but had to defend stoutly at the death to hold on for a fourpoint win after a second half fightback from the visitors.

It was a positive start with coach Mike Rowe pleased with his side’s quick adjustment to the new breakdown laws.

‘‘We adapted well to the new laws in a short space of time,’’ Rowe said.

‘‘If you leave your feet it’s going to be a penalty so maintaining possession becomes crucial.

‘‘After a slow start we just held on to the ball and I think thats the secret with the new rules.’’

Nelson Bays, who were unbeaten in winning last year’s championship, burst out of the blocks with two converted tries after just eight minutes.

The tide gradually turned in the hosts favour.

Country scored three tries to fullback Mark Maitland, flanker Willy Kerr and second-five Mike Keane before a penalty try late in the half to lead 29-14 at halftime.

After converting three tries and a penalty in the first half, Brook Retallick stretched the lead to 32-14 with a penalty soon after the restart.

Then Nelson Bays began their fight-back, with two converted tries to get within four points but Country held firm with Rowe impressed with the defensive effort to close out the match.

Country meet city rivals Canterbury Metro for the Craw Shield in Kaiapoi on Saturday, with Metro pipped by Otago B 37-38.

In the Championship section, the Tasman Devils defeated Otago Country 41-7 and Southland B lost to Canterbury Maori 36-15

OTHER SCORES:

NC Stags l13 v 20 Cantabrians U20, Canterbury Country Colts 11 v 24 Mid Canterbury Dev, North Canterbury U18 35 v 40 Ellesmere U18, North Canterbury Dev U16 24 v 5 Ellesmere Dev U16, North Canterbury U15 46 v 5 Ellesmere U15, North Canterbury U14 12 v 42 Ellesmere U14, North Canterbury U13 14 v 52 Ellesmere U13, North Canterbury U12 26 v 20 Ellesmere U12, North Canterbury U11 Sth 39 v 12 Ellesmere U11 East, North Canterbury U11 Nth 10 v 63 Ellesmere U11 West.