Otago Boys' went on an eight try romp when they outclassed South Otago 53-0 in the Highlanders First XV rugby competition at Balclutha today.
Otago Boys' played played expansive rugby to lead 33-0 at the break. Wing Paul-Eti Slater ran strongly with ball in hand and Michael Slater had a sound game in the midfield.
When the southerly came through in the second spell Otago Boys' kept it tight in the forwards.
Blindside flanker Byron Dodge kept close to the ball and used his strength to score two tries.
Prop Hagen Free was powerful in the scrum and with the pick and go and first five-eighth Sam Ellis kicked six conversions.
Temperatures dropped below zero in the second spell and the fingers of several of the players turned purple and they found it difficult to hold on to the ball. An Otago Boys' lock came close to hypothermia and was replaced.
Otago Boys' share the lead with Southland Boys' after 10 rounds of the competition.
They are both on 44 points and are followed by Kings 38, Gore 36, Waitaki Boys' 31, Dunstan 28, Menzies College 18, Kavanagh College 18, John McGlashan 14, South Otago 11, St Kevin's 9, Verdon College 2.
Otago Boys' beat Kavanagh College by default in the scheduled midweek game. Otago Boys', Kings, Waitaki Boys ‘ and St Kevin's have a game in hand.
Flanker Alex Pierce scored two of Gore's four tries when Waitaki Boys' was beaten 25-21 at Gore. No 8 Morgan Mitchell was the outstanding player on the paddock.
Flanker Ryan Lill and hooker Bradley Clarke played key roles when St Kevin's beat Kavanagh College 20-14 to gain its second win of the season at Oamaru.
Verdon College gained its first points of the competition when they drew 17-all with John McGlashan at Invercargill.
Today's results were: Gore 25, Waitaki Boys' 21; Kings 39, Menzies 12; St Kevin's 20, Kavanagh College 14; Otago Boys' 53, South Otago 0; Southland Boys' 57, Dunstan 7; Verdon College 17, John McGlashan 17.