Third division pace-setters North Otago struggled to beat Wairarapa-Bush 27-14 in their NPC rugby match at Memorial Park, Masterton, today.
North Otago, who have been romping through this competition unbeaten, looked like running away with the game after they led 17-0 at halftime and turned around with the wind behindthem.
Their forwards, spearheaded by bustling prop Atalea Katoa and lively loosies Ray Ofisa and Ross Hay, were clearly superior in the battle for possession.
And their backline were well served by the inside combination of Ryan McCarthy and Simon Porter. Both looked dangerous on attack.
But Wairarapa produced their best 40 minutes of rugby of the season in the second half, forcing North Otago to defend for long periods.
Converted tries by Lawrence Matthews and Justin Va'a saw Wairarapa-Bush close the gap to 14-17 at one stage, but North Otago struck back with a converted try and a penalty in the last 10 minutes to snuff out any chance of an upset.
Leading the Wairarapa-Bush resurgence was captain and No 8 Mike Robinson. He made a number of telling breaks and was well supported by flanker Germaine Anaha, hooker Jason Adamson and second-five Jamie Stewart-McDonald.
North Otago 27 (Luke Herden, Fepikou Tatafu, Simon Porter, Ray Ofisa tries; Porter pen, 2con)
