Prop Kendall Hodson was the Nelson Bays hero yesterday when he kicked a 48m penalty goal to put his team into the final of the South Island under-16 tournament in Dunedin.
Nelson Bays beat Otago Metro 9-6 in extra time after the scores were level 3-3 at fulltime in a game spoilt by heavy rain at the University Oval.
Hodson put Nelson Bays ahead in the first five minute spell of extra time and centre Sio Tomkinson equalised for Otago just before the break.
The long-range penalty by Hodson hit the crossbar and bounced over to the delight of the Nelson Bays supporters on the sideline.
The loose forward trio of Brendan Asomua-Goodman, captain Quinten Strange and Riley Heslop played a key role in the win.
The best players for Otago were flanker Nemo Gent-Brind, fullback Chris McNoe and Tomkinson.
Canterbury Metro won the other semifinal when it scored six tries to beat Southland 41-12. Flanker Anthony Burnett scored two tries.
Canterbury will play Nelson Bays in the final at Forsyth Barr Stadium at 12.30pm today. Entry to the stadium for the final is a gold coin. Spectators can stay to watch the final of the South Island Invitation tournament between Canterbury Metro and the Otago Development team.
However, the ground must be cleared before the ITM Cup game between Otago and Wellington starting at 7.30pm. The cost for using the car park is $5.
The Otago under-18 team was well beaten by Canterbury Metro 48-10 in Christchurch yesterday.
Otago Country was narrowly beaten 20-17 by the Canterbury Development team.
