Otago pulled away to defeat North Otago by 49-14 and hold on to the Ranfurly Shield in Oamaru this afternoon.
A home crowd of perhaps a couple of thousand had some moments of joy.
Winger Howard Packman scored midway through the first spell, and North Otago rumbled over for a second try from close quarters.
And in general the home side produced a spirit effort.
Halfback Robbie Smith was among the best for the home side.
Otago's Slade McDowall runs the ball up against North Otago at Whitestone Contracting Stadium in Oamaru. Photo: Getty
But the game was mostly dominated by holders. Otago’s set pieces were stronger and its handling superior.
And the Dunedin-based side had more strike power.
First five-eighth Ash Moeke was impressive on debut for Otago. He drilled all seven conversion attempts, while outside backs Vilimoni Koroi and Jona Nareki were dangerous.
It was an improvement on the effort against Thames Valley in Wanaka earlier this month.