The South Canterbury Development XV outplayed the North Otago Development side 13-3 in wet, cold conditions at Whitestone Contracting Stadium in Oamaru on Saturday.
The conditions overhead and underfoot did little to encourage running rugby, although both sides at times attempted to open up the game, with varying degrees of success.
South Canterbury used pick-and-go tactics more consistently and with greater success than the home side which persisted in attempting to play open rugby. When the ball was eventually kicked, it was taken too often on the full by South Canterbury.
Too little use was made of the grubber kick considering the conditions.
The first 40 minutes produced a penalty to each fullback with Jared Trevathan (South Canterbury) and Kayne Middleton (North Otago) getting the kicks.
The only try in the match came late on when South Canterbury persisted with the pick-and-go in a muddy melee. Polutele Soa was awarded the try which Trevathan converted.
Next Saturday, the North Otago Development team will play the Otago Sassenachs Colts at University Oval.
Netball
All games were cancelled on Saturday because of the weather and slippery courts.
There is now insufficient time to make up another rain day, so points from Saturday will be shared and the semifinals will now be played next Saturday.
In the premier grade, top qualifier Valley Gold will play Waitaki Girls Wildfire, and Maheno Green will play Waitaki Girls Lightning Strike.
- Terry O'Neill