The Otago Country side had a high-tempo match on its North Island tour when it took on Heartland side Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin last night. The visitors won the match 20-6, after leading 8-3 at half-time.
They scored three tries, including two to South Otago High School fullback Matt Faddes, the first from the length of the field, following an intercept.
Lawrence winger Sonny Vakaruru scored the other after injecting himself into the line after a strong forward build-up.
First five-eighth Sam Young kicked a penalty goal and second five-eighth Charlie Hore a conversion.
Despite some handling mistakes, Otago Country produced a strong all-round performance, the forwards setting a solid platform and a solid defence, which limited Horowhenua-Kapiti to penalties.
• Otago Country 20 (M Faddes 2, S Vakaruru tries, S Young, pen, C Hore con), Horowhenua-Kapiti 6. Half-time: 8-3.
