Otago Spirit put up a determined effort against a powerful Canterbury line-up yesterday in Christchurch although the home team ran away with the game in the second half.
Canterbury ran out a 54-15 winner, after the powerful red and black side was ahead just 15-10 at the break.
It took a long time for Canterbury to wake up and it was only thanks to former Otago back Kelly Brazier, who helped herself to 29 points.
The Otago team came out firing and dominated play early in the first half, repeatedly upsetting the Canterbury set pieces.
Otago coach Tim Belcher complimented his team after the game.
"They've done everything asked of them and more. I'm ecstatic." he said.
Otago No 8 Nicola Crawford scored first, then Canterbury came back with a try to first five-eighth and former Black Fern Amiria Rule.
But the Otago tight five replied well and Otago prop Beth Mallard scored from an Otago rolling maul.
Referee Chelsea Gurr then penalised Otago in front of its posts for not rolling away at the breakdown and this proved to be the turning point of the game.
Kelly Brazier slotted the penalty and Canterbury seemed to wake up and take control.
No 8 and Black Fern Casey Robertson touched down for Canterbury and Brazier converted for a halftime score of 15-10 to Canterbury.
Canterbury scored six tries in the second half to Otago's one, and was lively in spreading the ball.
Although Otago was still competing well in the scrum and lineout it could not stop Canterbury in broken play.
Otago now travels to Palmerston North to take on Manawatu.
- The scores
Otago v Canterbury
• Canterbury 54
Kelly Brazier (3), Erica Prescott (2), Amiria Rule, Casey Robertson, Giuliana Petronelli tries, Brazier 2 pen, 4 con
• Otago 15
Nicola Crawford, Beth Mallard, Angela Taylor tries
• Halftime: 15-10 Canterbury
- Marian Mouat
