North Otago wins Lochore Cup

North Otago added to its collection of divisional rugby titles when it beat West Coast 21-13 to win the Lochore Cup in Greymouth on Saturday.

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It was a tense, close match in which North Otago avenged its 17-35 loss to West Coast two weeks earlier as the Coasters suffered their first home loss of the year.

Daniel Waenga, Aaron Kimura and substitute Tane Puki were key backs while North Otago captain and openside flanker Ross Hay was the outstanding forward.

Wing Maleli Tora was a penetrative runner for the West Coast, first five-eighths Josh Cornish controlled play well and prop Blair Mirfin was a destructive scrummager.

North Otago kicked off in fine, sunny conditions in front of the biggest crowd to watch a rugby match in Greymouth since it hosted the 1971 Lions.

West Coast was playing in its first final while North Otago had won four previous division titles under its belt.

North Otago made the early running and led 10-0 after 13 minutes. Waenga kicked an early penalty and converted a try scored by fullback Peter Breen after he was given a slick in-pass by player-coach Mike Mullins.

There were some fiery exchanges between the forwards, referee James McPhail sin-binning Mike Essex (North Otago) and Pete Nicholls (West Coast) after 16 minutes. West Coast was reduced to 13 players two minutes later when prop Blair Mirfin was sin-binned.

North Otago was unable to capitalise on its personnel advantage and, when West Coast was restored to 15 players, it began to play with more purpose.

North Otago dominated first half territory (54 percent), possession (63 percent) and the breakdowns but it was thwarted by some stout West Coast tackling.

West Coast was much more decisive in the second spell and almost scored twice in the first 10 minutes, James Ward being held just short and the television match official ruling wing Luke Hughes had been held up in goal.

Finally, 17 minutes into the spell West Coast made it on to the scoreboard when the speedy Maleli Tora scored a brilliant individual try, bamboozling the defence in a 35 metre run. Jack Cornish converted from the touchline and Coast trailed by only three.

North Otago nudged ahead 13-7 midway through the half when Waenga kicked his second penalty, this one from 35 metres.

Bu the tension increased again 17 minutes from the end when Cornish kicked his second penalty, from 30 metres and in front, to reduce Coast’s deficit to three points.

North Otago almost scored its second try after a break by Puki but scrambling Coast defence prevented the try.

But North Otago did scored 10 minutes from the end when, from a scrum move, it worked play to the right and lock Aisake Fonua rumbled over. Waenga's kicked struck the upright and rebounded away, for the second time, but North Otago led 18-10.

But neither able was able to take control of this game and Cornish’s second penalty, seven minutes from the end, brought West Coast to within five points.

There was some respite for North Otago a minute later when Jason Forrest kicked a regulation penalty and North Otago led 21-13.

Scores were: West Coast 13 (Maleli Tora try; Josh Cornish con, 2 pen) North Otago 21 (Peter Breen, Aisake Fonua tries, Daniel Waenga con, 2 pen, Jason Forrest pen). HT: 0-10