Otago retained the Piper Cup, beating Aorangi 4.5 to 5.5 over two rounds of matchplay in cold and windy conditions on the Chisholm Park Links in Dunedin yesterday.
It was the 51st clash between the two provinces and, although it was evenly balanced during the first two decades, Otago has dominated the event in recent years.
But yesterday's event was a close-fought affair in the morning, with the Otago tail wagging to put Otago in front by a 6 to 4 margin at lunch.
But in the afternoon it was one-way traffic, as Otago notched eight wins, a half and one loss to dominate the single round and the event.
Otago's top pair of Thomas Facer and Joshua Kahukura both lost their morning matches but had healthy wins over Damian Rodgers and Josh Smith in the afternoon.
For Otago Kris Rush, Ryan Shuttleworth, Cody McMullan and Cody Jamison had two wins while Cameron Ryder and Dylan Stock emerged unbeaten, with a win and a half each.
Unfortunately, for the second year, Southland did not front up with a team for the triangular competition, so Otago won the Ben McCorkindale Cup and Aorangi the Simpson Cup by default.
Next year's event is likely to be played at Cromwell, with the possibility of returning to a triangular event involving Aorangi, Canterbury and Otago.
