Plenty of tries in North Otago, Thames Valley game

North Otago defeated Thames Valley 30-22 in the Heartland Rugby Championship match played at Oamaru last Saturday.

The Swamp Foxes were in the game right until the end and fought hard against a team which rarely loses on its home turf.

North Otago opened the game strongly but Thames Valley quickly recovered and spent long periods dominating possession and territory.

However at half time they were down 22-16.

Each team scored one more try in a tightly contested second half.

Hayden Wisnewski scored one try for Thames Valley and he was the standout forward.

In the backs, captain Jonnie Te Ruki Chambers again showed his class and he too scored a try.

Rupeni Vakacegu also dotted down with Te Ruki Chambers adding two conversions.

A late change to the Heartland Competition rules means that teams now finishing within eight points (previously seven) gain a bonus point so the Swamp Foxes did not come home empty handed.

Next Saturday Thames Valley play King Country at Boyd Park Te Aroha with a 2pm kick off.

Meanwhile, six-point tries in the Heartland Championship are getting a positive early season response. Coaches appear happy with the change after two rounds, although a penalty returning three points rather than two also has some support.