It was a classic game of two halves in Temuka on Saturday. North Otago came out of the blocks firing to establish a handy halftime lead, before South Canterbury came racing back into the game in the second spell to take the win.
North Otago took it to South Canterbury from the kickoff, making quick work of getting into opposition territory and attacking the try line. A couple players went close to the line, before prop Bradeley Harewood bundled his way over for the opening try inside two minutes. Greg Dyer converted for an early 7-0 lead.
The visitors then added a second try to Ben McCarthy with less than 10 minutes on the clock. From a scrum, Dyer sent a wide pass out to McCarthy who used his speed to accelerate past the defence and ran it in for the try. Dyer converting for a 14-0 lead.
South Canterbury winger Peala Matakaiongo closed the gap for the home side, his first of two tries in the match, to make it 14-5. But it was North Otago setting the pace in the opening quarter.
Midfielder Tini Feke made sure he got amongst the action when he crashed over for North Otago's third try. His midfield partner, Hayden Todd, then added his name to the try scoring list with a solo chip and chase try as North Otago raced out to a 28-5 lead after 30 minutes.
Two late tries to South Canterbury's Siu Kakala and Clarence Moli closed the score up to 28-17 at the break.
The second half was one to forget for North Otago, with South Canterbury roaring into life and piling on the points. For North Otago a sole penalty to Dyer was all that came of the second spell, as South Canterbury raced away with the game 44-31.
North Otago 31 Bradley Harewood, Ben McCarthy, Tini Feke, Hayden Todd tries; Greg Dyer 4 con, pen
South Canterbvury 44 Peala Matakaiongo 2, Siu Kakala 2, Lieuli Simote, Clarence Moli tries; Willie Wright 4 con, Faalele Iosua 2 pen
