Otago fights back to beat Southland

Press, 22 September 1980, Page 18

Otago fights back to beat Southland

PA Alexandra Trailing by nine points at half-time, the Otago rugby team staged a second-half revival to beat its arch rival, Southland, 19-15, in a nonchampionship match at Molyneux Park, Alexandra, on Saturday. An injury-depleted Southland side dominated all phases of play during the first half and deserved its 15-6 lead at the interval but the Otago forwards injected new life into their play at the resumption to take control through grand driving play by the captain, Ken Bloxham, the No. 8, Wayne Graham, and the increased interest shown by the loose men, Graeme Smith and John Flaus.

The half-back, Steve Martin, appreciated the better supply of ball and distributed well to his line, with the wingers, John Cronin and Tony Sissons, scoring a try each.

Southland fielded four members of its B team, allowing key players to rest before the final nationalchampionship match against Counties on Wednesday, and when Otago applied the pressure their inexperience became evident. The inside-back combination of Wayne Stewart and Bill McDonald was impressive but the inability to create chances further out was a deciding factor in the outcome of the game. The captain, Ken Stewart, was again in grand form and received tireless support from Ash McGregor and the No. 8, Ken Patterson. Otago’s points came from tries by Sissons and Cronin, with the full-back, Alistair Wardell, converting one and kicking three penalties. Wayne Stewart scored Southland’s solitary try, which was converted by-Geoff-Balli, who also kicked three penalties.