Otago Boys' was forced to work hard to retain its unbeaten record in the Highlanders First XV competition by a fired-up visiting team.
Soggy ground conditions were not conducive to sparkling back play and coach Ryan Martin changed tactics in the second spell because the Otago Boys' backline struggled to dominate.
There was a lot more kicking for territory by first five-eighth Sam Porter, and the forwards took charge with driving play up the centre, led by lock Jarrell Pattison, No 8 Jamie Mowat and prop Jonah Aoina.
Pattison was the best player on the paddock with his work in the lineout, driving play with the ball in hand and his ferocious tackling.
Both Otago Boys' tries came from drives off lineouts close to the line, and both were scored by Pattison, who used his strength to hold on to the ball.
The best Otago Boys' backs were Porter and midfield back Sio Tomkinson, who kicked five goals from five attempts.
Otago Boys' led 13-8 at halftime and consolidated its grip on the game by scoring 10 points in the first 10 minutes of the second half to lead 23-8.
Southland Boys' held on to the ball for long periods after this, and an air of panic was evident in Otago Boys' defence in the last 10 minutes of the game.
Otago Boys' gave away six penalties in the red zone in the last five minutes and lost a player to the sin bin.
Southland Boys' started the game with a flourish, halfback Liam Howley scoring a try after 11 minutes, and ended the game in style when prop Shaun Stodart used his strength to drive over the line.
First XV
The scores
• Otago Boys' HS 23
Jarrell Pattison 2 tries; Sio Tomkinson 2 con, 3 pen
• Southland Boys' HS 15
Shaun Stodart, Liam Howley tries; Jahvis Wallace con, pen
• Halftime: Otago Boys' 13-8.
