Regional sports round-up

Otago Country hooker Josh Thom tackles Metro fullback Liam Edwards during the under-18 representative rugby game in Alexandra on Saturday. Otago Country won 15-6. Photo by Teaukura Moetaua.

Wing Tim McMillan starred in a victory when Otago Country under-18 beat Metro under-18 15-6 in Alexandra on Saturday.

McMillan was in top form for the Country side, scoring a try and creating several opportunities as the Country backs exposed Metro out wide.

He and New Zealand Secondary Schools' squad member Matt Faddes at fullback had a hand in the lead-up to the other two tries scored by Country.

After Metro led early in the match thanks to a penalty goal by fullback Liam Edwards, Country took command, playing an expansive game and stretching Metro's defence to its limits.

After Faddes made a long-range break midway through the first half, McMillan dotted down.

Metro regained the lead after another Edwards penalty.

Then the lead went back to Country after a try to lock and captain of the side Andy Brunn, thanks to another Faddes run and patience and composure through the forwards.

The score remained at 10-6 to Country for most of the second half.

McMillan and Edwards missed respective penalty goal attempts before replacement Country hooker Karl Still drove over the line to seal the win for the home side.

Country halfback Jye Cormack had an impressive game, his small statue more than made up for by his crisp passing and decision-making.

For Metro, left wing Poamo Aiililio made a couple of devastating runs on attack and blindside flanker Blair Tweed stood out in its forward pack.

In the other match played at Alexandra on Saturday, Otago Country under-16 was humbled by Metro under-16, losing 53-8.

Country held its own for the most part during the match until the final 10 minutes when Metro went on to score 27 unanswered points.

North Otago
By TERRY O'NEILL

The North Otago Development XV beat Mid Canterbury Development XV 18-11 in the curtain-raiser in Oamaru on Saturday.

Dan Moore kicked an early penalty for the visitors but eight minutes from half-time, North Otago prop Unga Kefu charged over for Chris Talanoa to convert and give North Otago a 7-3 half-time lead.

A break by North Otago fullback Mike Hore sent left winger Vilikisa Sayabo in for a try and five minutes later a Talanoa penalty took North Otago out to a 15-3 lead.

Midway through the half Mid Canterbury Rodney Eden touched down for an unconverted try.

Talanoa kicked his second penalty 15 minutes from full-time.

Moore added his second penalty two minutes later.