Country earned bragging rights in the return of a fan favourite clash in North Otago.
They beat Town 38-17 in Maheno on Saturday.
One feeling is strong after watching what was effectively a trial for North Otago’s Heartland squad: the Old Golds will be fun to watch. Both sides played an expansive brand of rugby and were not afraid to throw the ball around.
There were errors at lineout time, but that is to be expected with each side having only a week to train together.
Country blew Town out of the water in a 10-minute period just before and after halftime to secure the win.
Town led 12-5 with five minutes left in the first half before Country kicked into gear.
They were hot on attack in Town’s 22m when they swung it out to winger Ben McCarthy, who walked the tightrope down the right-hand touch line to score in the corner.
From the kick-off, they marched their way back into the 22m. Prop Joe Veiogo looked like he was going to carry but threw a delayed pass to Mitch Morton, who hit the gap and scored.
In the lead-up, a professional foul from Town lock Epineri Logavatu led to him spending the next 10 minutes in the sin bin.
From the ensuing kick-off, Town ended up throwing a wide pass, which McCarthy picked off to score his second on the stroke of halftime.
Veiogo then scored just after halftime to have Country ahead 31-12.
Both teams traded tries late but the result was never in doubt.
New coach Luke Herden expects to name his North Otago squad tomorrow.
Town v Country
The scores
Country 38
Cameron Rowland 2, Ben McCarthy 2, Mitch Morton, Joe Veiogo tries; Isaac Clunie 4 con.
Town 17
Posiano Kamoto, Kelepi Funaki, Matt Sueta tries; Mason James con.
Halftime: Country 24-12.
