It has taken 10 years, but the long-suffering and not-too-successful Otago Riot has grabbed a win over a provincial rival.
It may not be splitting the atom or the All Blacks breaking its World Cup hoodoo, admitted coach Warwick Kain, but he was happy to celebrate a long overdue win over Canterbury.
The side won 48-16 over a weakened Canterbury team, scoring six goals and 12 behinds compared to Canterbury's two goals and four behinds.
Kain said the team had been around for 10 years and had always battled against other provinces.
There had been some beatings by teams from up north, but slowly the numbers playing the game had picked up in Dunedin, and that added depth was the key to the victory at Logan Park.
Australian Rules had 18 players on each side, and previously Otago suffered from having to hide players.
But more players have been drawn to the sport, growing it in the South, and that gave the side ability across the field.
Kain said players such as Josh Mackie and rugby players Ben Miller and Mackenzie Haugh had top games.
The Riot had a full squad of 24 players for the game and so players lasted the game.
Other provinces have leagues, while Otago has just one team.
Kain said it was a good sport to play for those who wanted a decent run around, and also benefited skills for other sports.
The side will head to Christchurch in December to play a return game against Canterbury and a match against Wellington.
