Otago dealt body blow

Press, 9 September 1982, Page 32

Otago dealt body blow

PA Masterton Otago rugby was dealt another body blow yesterday when it lost 10-12 to Wairara pa-Rush in a national first division match at Memorial Park. Masterton. The southerners, languishing at the bottom of the championship table, scored two tries to one and led 10-6 at half-time against the run of play. Wairarapa-Bush. ‘ now virtually safe from relegation. began strongly with several try-scoring chances, but it was Otago which opened the scoring. After 15 minutes Otago's wing. Rob Taylor, ended a backline movement which began from a ruck in the WairarapaBush half. Gary Smith converted the try and the visitors led 6-nil. Five minutes later. Tavlor

scored again, near the corner flag after Otago won the ball from another set piece. The first five-eighth. Charlie Kaka, closed WairarapaBush's deficit to 6-10 with penalty goals after 27 minutes and right on halftime. Early in the second half, the Otago defence was split wide open and the New Zealand Junior. Carl Baker, ran half the paddock to touch down for Wairarapa-Bush. Kaka converted and the score remained 10-12. Later. Otago missed several penalty goal attempts and was handily placed to score with a dropped goal when the full-time whistle blew. Scorers. Wairarapa-Bush 12 (C. Baker try. C Kaka 2 penally goals, conversion); Otago 10 iR. Tavlor 2 tries. G. Smith conversion).