Otago Country puts up valiant fight in final match of season

THE Otago Country season came to a close in Cromwell on Saturday as the home side sustained a 3827 defeat to North Canterbury in an open and exciting game.

Playing with the wind behind it, North Canterbury showed its ability to keep hold of the ball in the early stages and create pressure using its sizeable forward pack.

But it was the home side which opened the scoring, in the outside channel, through flanker Max Pennell who benefited from a mismatch of numbers in the backline.

From kickoff, Otago Country failed to clear properly, giving North Canterbury great field position. After the ensuing set piece, North Canterbury midfielder Matt Jensen scored his side’s first try with a tidy finish in the corner. More points came as fullback Scott Allin judged the wind to perfection off the tee and gave his side the lead.

Otago Country was next to score through winger Clayton Buchanan who showed a piece of individual brilliance on the counter attack to cross unopposed after beating numerous defenders.

The home side would have other opportunities in enemy territory in the half but its expansive gameplan at times forced handling errors as it tried to increase the tempo.

North Canterbury hit back towards the end of the first half on the back of another strong scrum as skipper Josh Maynard scored one of the easiest tries he will get. The conversion was successful from Allin, giving the visitors a 1410 lead at the orange break.

North Canterbury started the second half in the best possible way, forcing an error off the kickoff and scoring its third try not long after with impressive lock Flynn Crean streaking away after some sloppy Country tackling.

This started a passage of dominance from the visitors who looked extremely comfortable holding on to the ball into the wind and using some tricky passing interchanges between the forwards to make metres.

North Canterbury replacement outside back Harry Murray crossed the chalk next after showing a clean pair of heels to ditch his man on the outside before crossing in a position handy to the posts.

Otago Country looked to be battling to decide whether to use the wind or hold on to the ball and try to attack from deep. This indecision was costly several times.

When Country was allowed time in possession, it forced North Canterbury back into its own half and its offensive tackling was superb. It forced errors and made North Canterbury panic and rush clearances. One such occasion ended up in an Otago Country try to centre Rube Peina, who picked off a stunning intercept to bring his side back into the contest.

North Canterbury scored its final try of the match shortly after, via Murray, again, who outpaced the defence to score another slick try for his side.

Otago Country scored two late tries to narrow the gap but could not catch the impressive North Canterbury side.

Otago Country was not afraid to give the ball plenty of air and its quick tempo caused headaches in the opening half, but it also forced the side into handling errors in the highrisk, highreward game plan.

Fullback Doug Smith had a strong game for the home side. His positioning was on point in the first half as he received an aerial barrage of sorts from his opposition. He counterattacked well and threw his body into everything.

Flanker Liam Turnbull had a strong first half, causing havoc at ruck time and securing some decent turnovers.

North Canterbury’s forwards put in a huge shift, especially in the first half as its set piece worked effectively.

Lock Flynn Crean was immense in the tight and at set piece. He stole numerous lineouts and was always on hand to carry strongly. Flanker Andrew Hull’s work rate was second to none as he put in a huge shift for his side.