Week 5 review - North Otago clean out Wanganui

North Otago stamped themselves as strong AA Rewards Heartland Championship favourites after smashing Wanganui 39-16 in Wanganui on Saturday.

North Otago top pool B undefeated and the polish they displayed against last year's runners-up today will make defending champions Wairarapa-Bush sit up and take nitice.

Wanganui dominated possession for vast periods of the match but without usual playmaker Leon Mason, they showed little idea of how to use the wealth of ball.

North Otago's standout for the day was the lanky second five-eighth Glenn Dickson who tore Wanganui's midfield apart and produced 19 points overall from his booming boot and a try.

Flanker Ross Hay and lock Leiataua Taha'afe were the best of a forward pack which ended the game well on top.

Young lock John Smyth, flanker David Gower and centre Logan Vaughan were Wanganui's best.

Scores

North Otago 39 (Fa'aitu Tuamoheloa, Glenn Dickson, Ekeroma Sefo, Kilifi Fangupo, Joe Mamea tries; Dickson 2 pen, 4 con) Wanganui 16 (Logan Vaughan try; Steelie Koro 3 pen, con). Halftime 20-13.