Rugby: Hands on cup, looking up

North Otago captain Luke Herden believes many of his side can go to the next level, although he says being able to mix work and play has real benefits.

Herden lifted the Meads Cup on Saturday after his side beat Wanganui 39-18 at Whitestone Contracting Stadium in Oamaru, after leading 17-13 at the break.

• Final say by Hay on Nth Otago's day 

North Otago scored six tries to two and thoroughly deserved its victory against a subdued Wanganui side.

Herden said after the game the side had peaked well for the season and created a great culture.

"It's been a lot of hard work. We've brought a lot of guys together and through some good work from the coaches and the management we've managed to create a great culture. There are some new boys and some not so new but everyone has come together and worked really hard," he said.

"Winning like that really makes it all worthwhile."

Herden said some of the players were capable of playing at the next level and would relish the opportunity to train fulltime and play the game professionally.

"But in saying that, we're fresh when we come to training, and playing the game. We only train Tuesday and Thursdays, so maybe with having to work gives us that balance. It takes your mind away from rugby."

Herden said North Otago never panicked after conceding a try in the early stages and it backed itself to get back into the game.

"I think it comes down to fitness and systems. They tested our defence today but I thought it stood up well and we had trust in our defence. There was the odd time when we probably went in too much to turn the ball over but that was all part of our game."