Otago United's national youth league team crumpled before a classy Canterbury side, which won 5-0 at the Caledonian Ground yesterday.
Otago started well enough, as Sam Mepham drove things along from midfield with Aajay Cunningham in support, and up the left flank Liam Lockhart showed composure and skill to deliver several angled crosses.
But while Canterbury attacked in droves, Otago's attack of Tim Dunn and Mike Still were isolated and outnumbered, and rarely got a touch in front of goal.
Otago's lofty defenders looked likely at set plays, but made little impact on Canterbury's resolute defence.
On the back foot, it was Ken Yamamoto, just 16 and one of the smallest players in the game, who won aerial ball to set up a goal for the visitors.
Both Yamamoto and Andrew Barton, who were guest players on Otago overseas tours, got on the scoresheet, as did Sam Miles, Jacob Allen and Luke Dennison.
In Saturday's senior pre-season tournament, Dunedin Technical collected its first piece of silverware this season by winning the competition at Tahuna Park.
Coach Mike Fridge fielded a young side, plus Aaron Burgess and Blair Scoullar, both of whom played well.
However, Burgess sustained an ankle injury and, when Scoullar kicked the ball out of play so the striker could be treated, young referee Hamish Phillips applied the strict letter of the law and cautioned Scoullar.
After heated discussion, Scoullar was red-carded.
Many other youngsters gained experience from the tournament, which did not include Caversham and lost a second premier team when Roslyn withdrew.
Players to catch the eye were Tristan Prattley and George Milne for Technical, Aaron Wilkinson and Mario Ray for Northern, and Josh Bell and Kareen Osman for University.
Influential for Mosgiel were Mike McGarry and Dom Vetisse, while Shannon Cox and Terry Saunders stood out for Grants Braes.
