Rugby: Wanganui beats North Otago to win Lochore Cup

Wanganui's Samu Kubunavanua. Photo / Getty Images

Wanganui 14
North Otago 12

Wanganui are the Lochore Cup champions for the first time as the Heartland Championship season reached its climax in windy Oamaru today.

The Butcher Boys defeated the home side North Otago 14-12 but had to rely on Old Golds replacement Stephen Fenemor missing a last second 42m penalty goal to clinch the silverware.

Neither side made effective use of the strong wind. It was 7-all at halftime and Wanganui felt they had not done enough with the breeze. But North Otago did not spark up until the final five minutes with their turn having the wind at their backs.

Wanganui could not convert early pressure. North Otago soaked it all up and then hit back through a try to England-born first five Ben Palmer, who ran across field before straightening.

Wanganui looked nervy, and even a seasoned fullback such as Ace Malo grassed two easy balls. But halfback Lindsay Horrocks scored a vital try not long before the break, darting over after his pack had flooded the ruck with numbers.

North Otago might have felt they could camp deep in Wanganui territory. It was not to be.

Instead, Wanganui's pack, led by the bullocking No 8 Lasa Ulukuta, inspirational skipper and flanker Peter Rowe, and lock Sonny Woodmass, rolled their sleeves up and commanded most of the ball.

That led to second-five Rhema Sagote spearing over for his seventh try of 2014 from a one-two cut move. Then they hung tough, despite a late North Otago try to wing Matthew Vocea, still at St Kevin's College, off a Tenina Sauileoge break.

Ulukuta cracked the champagne and Wanganui drank deeply from the Lochore Cup.

Wanganui have won three Meads Cups and while that is always their primary goal, they will be satisfied to have closed this one out after two trying seasons.

Wanganui (Lindsay Horrocks, Rhema Sagote tries; Ace Malo 2 con) North Otago (Ben Palmer, Matthew Vocea tries; Palmer con) HT: 7-7