Otago Colts lost 28-24 to Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe in the final game of their northern tour yesterday.
The home team led 28-0 at the break and though Otago came firing back in the second half, it left its run too late.
Counties-Manukau was big and physical and Otago took a while to get going.
In the second half it woke up.
Winger David Thompson scored three tries and flanker Sam Gavigan bagged a fourth.
Peter Breen added the other points.
Its was the side's third game in seven days and with injuries mounting it did not have a full reserve bench.
The side beat Wellington Colts and lost to Auckland Colts on its tour.
Tom Franklin, who normally plays lock, had a fine game on the blindside flank yesterday.
Otago Colts will take on Waikato Colts at Carisbrook next Tuesday.
