Manawatu, while they may still be searching for credibility, at least put weeks of nationwide ridicule behind them in beating Marlborough 24-14 in the NPC second division, which gives North Otago an outside shot of making the playoffs.
The southerners beat Wanganui 31-28 in a cracking game, with North Otagobenefitting from Wanganui's offer of the wind to lead 14-0 at halftime as Wanganui blew three scoring opportunities. Wanganui outscored North Otago 28-17 in the second half but, for a second week in a row, had to digest a loss even though outscoring the opposition in tries.
North Otago's simple game plan of using their big loose forwards and midfield powerhouses Mike Mavor and Nathan Cunningham to bash their way in close to the scrum proved effective enough, but the side could not score the fourth try to give them a bonus point.
Manawatu earned only its second win from six matches this season, a record which raises serious concerns about how they will adapt in the inaugural premier division next season. Manawatu showed physical commitment in the second half, though, throwing their bodies into the rucks and mauls and defending stoutly whenever Marlborough threatened.
Marlborough, who entered the match in third place, were inexplicably below their best, although captain and hooker Mark Stewart and first five-eighths Sam Howe tried valiantly. Manawatu's best was unquestionably lock Paul Rodgers, who had a high work rate and dominated in the air from the kick-offs.
Captain and hooker Nathan Kemp and first five-eighths Graham Smith also impressed for Manawatu, who scored three tries to one.
Marlborough could yet be pipped for a playoff position by North Otago who could join Counties-Manukau, Hawke's Bay (resounding 52-20 winners over Poverty Bay yesterday) and Nelson Bays (crushing 68-13 winners over East Coast) as likely semifinalists. North Otago, ahead of Marlborough by two points on the table, have a bye next week and then a must-win game against Poverty Bay, while Marlborough have a tough match against Counties at Pukekohe and a likely win against East Coast. It could come down to bonus points.
