Otago Country managed its first win of the season in Queenstown on Saturday afternoon, accounting for Southland Country 25-22.
In front of a small but vocal crowd, the home side went behind early after Southland Country fullback Keith Eade banged over a penalty goal but got itself on the board soon after when openside flanker Aidan Winter scored, thanks to a Sam Gibbens break in midfield.
Otago Country then built on its four-point lead when replacement front-rower Jake Maiono barged over for the team's second try.
Southland Country battled back after being starved of possession and territory for most of the half.
It was halfback Sonny Rangitoheriri who made the score 12-10 when he slipped through to cross for its first try of the match.
After halftime the statistics evened up considerably and both sides made and converted plenty of opportunities.
Otago Country was the first to capitalise when Winter crossed for his second try of the match and, when brother Reece converted, the home side held a seven point lead.
It was short-lived, however, because Southland Country loose forward Damian Pulley and kicker Eade locked the scores up at 17-all.
An Otago Country penalty goal nudged it ahead through Gibbens and this was the way it would stay for the majority of the second half, thanks in part to a yellow card to Otago Country centre Lex Kaleca for a high shot on his opposite.
However, when he returned to the field Otago Country was able to extend its lead thanks to the try of the day from substitute halfback Jai Baxter.
The Clyde-Earnscleugh man took the final pass after a fantastic break out wide by flying Lawrence winger Seru Naqsima.
The match looked decided at 25-17 but Southland Country wing Taina Tamou crossed the chalk late in the game.
The conversion was missed leaving a three-point difference to which Otago Country was able to cling to until the final whistle.
Blake Korteweg had a huge game for the home side, first in the midfield and then at first-five eighth.
Winter was at his best on the flank and lock John Morrison also had an impressive game.
For Southland Country, Rangitoheriri was his team's best.
Otago Countryplays Otago B in Dunedin on Saturday.
Otago v Southland
The scores
Otago Country 25 Aidan Winter 2, Jake Maiono, Jai Baxter tries; Reece Winter con, Sam Gibbens pen
Southland Country 22 Sonny Rangitoheriri, Damian Pulley, Taina Tamou tries; Keith Eade (2) con, pen
Halftime: 12-10
