Otago takes control to win over Makos
18-Oct-2009
 
Sportal
Otago inched its way up the Air New Zealand Cup points table with a solid 21-0 win over Tasman at Carisbrook on Saturday night.

Otago was in control for most of the game as it clinched just its fourth win in 12 matches.
It scored two tries to none but was unable to add to its lead during a scoreless second spell in which both sides struggled in the wet, bleak conditions.

For Tasman, which was hammered 41-0 by Southland last week, it was its second consecutive scoreless match and it as only a shadow of the team which had threatened to make the semi-finals for much of the competition.

Prop Kees Meeuws had a worthy game in his 50th game for Otago and No 8 Paul Grant, hooker Peter Mirrielees and replacement Eben Joubert were others to impress.

Seam Romans directed play well for Otago from halfback, Charlie Hore was solid in midfield and Ben Smith was all class at fullback.

Tasman wing Lucky Mulipola was enthusiastic against his former team-mates and lock Joe Wheeler continued his fine season but it was no a game for Tasman to remember.
It has 28 points from its 12 matches while Otago increased its points tally to 23.

Otago kicked off in murky, overcast conditions before a sparse crowd. There was only pride at stake for Otago while Tasman retained a slim mathematical chance of making the playoffs.

Glenn Dickson opened the scoring with a handy penalty and Otago scored its first try after 13 minutes to increase its lead to 8-0.

Wing Andrew Parata made the initial break, Aaron Bancroft carried on and, from the ensuing ruck, hooker Peter Mirrielees sent prop Ben Nolan bursting for the line.
Otago dominated territory and possession in the first quarter and Dickson’s second penalty extended its lead to 11-0.

Dickson’s third penalty had Otago ahead 14-0 but, after 26 minutes, he was helped from the field after suffering a heavy knock to the head and was replaced by league convert Michael Witt.

Tasman wing Lucky Mulipola seemed to have scored a perfectly fair try after 30 minutes but, instead, he was penalised for a double movement.

As the drizzle swept across the ground, there was an off-the-ball fight between the two packs after which Alex Ainley (Tasman) and Mirrielees were sin-binned.

Otago struck again just before halftime when, after a big heave which disrupted the Tasman scrum, Witt chipped through and Bancroft won the race t0o the ball just before the dead-ball line. Witt converted and Otago led 21-0.

Tasman hardly fired a shot in the first half and it was unable to hang on to the ball, as indicated by the turnover count of 14-6 in favour of Otago.

Tasman introduced outstanding hooker Quentin MacDonald and centre Kade Poki to the game 10 minutes into the second spell, their absence from the starting side rather perplexing.

Otago captain and flanker Alando Soakai was subbed by Eben Joubert 14 minutes into the second spell, a strange decision given Otago’s dominance.

There was no score in the third quarter with Otago, despite having the match under control, unable to add to its score.

Scorers were:

Otago 21 (Ben Nolan, Aaron Bancroft tries; Michael Witt con; Glenn Dickson 3 pen) Tasman 0
HT: 21-0
 

 

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