Originally, Otago Country and Southland Country were scheduled to play Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury respectively, but after those sides cancelled, they elected to play each other.
The match was a prelude to the competition match on September 15, when the two Country sides will play in Milton.
Otago Country had the measure of its opponent for the first 20 minutes but came away with only three points, via a penalty to Clutha Valley first five-eighth Cam Johnston.
Southland Country dominated the rest of the clash, scoring six tries, but Otago Country assistant coach Sam Gibbens believed it was not an indicator of how the game would go in a month's time.
"Our forwards dominated theirs in the first 20 minutes but when we started making some changes, it affected what we were doing."
Gibbens also said the number of players originally named in the squad who were now unavailable had affected the team's preparation. None of the Wakatipu players named played in the match, and several South Otago forwards were also absent.
Players to stand out in the match were openside flanker Hayden Tapp and Clutha's Simon Grant in the loose, as well as Clutha Valley halfback Jamie Brown, who controlled the match well in the opening quarter.
Arrowtown winger Matt Ryan and Clyde-Earnscleugh fullback Shane Excel also had some impressive moments.
Otago Country plays its competition opener against Otago Development in Dunedin, on September 1.
