Accurate kicking aids Counties

An impressive points haul by Counties-Manukau first five-eighths Troy Nathan carried his team to a 41-36 victory over North Otago in the feature second division match at Pukekohe yesterday.

Nathan kicked five conversions from five, including his own try, and was also successful with two penalties from three attempts for 21 individual points. It didn't surpass the 28 points he collected against East Coast two weeks ago.

The rest of his team fell asleep in defence for long periods.

Counties went to halftime 24-21 ahead, scoring all their points within the first 14 minutes. Tries went to wingers Koiatu Koiatu and Lelia Masaga and No 8 Jeoffrey Maka.

The determination of the Southerners helped them back into the game, with loose forward Ray Ofisa strolling through for the first of two tries. Centre Nathan Cunningham almost messed up his try, running into the only defender for miles, while prop Hotili Asi also scored.

North Otago drew level with a penalty early in the second half before Nathan's own converted try handed them a lead they weren't to relinquish. North Otago gained two bonus points for scoring four tries and finishing within seven points.

The Southerners' strength came from their driving play while Counties always looked dangerous when their backline had the ball.

Counties-Manukau 41 (L. Masaga 2, J. Maka, K. Koiatu, T. Nathan tries; Nathan 2 pens, 5 cons).

North Otago 36 (R. Ofisa 2, N. Cunningham, H. Asi, R. McCarthy tries; M. Adair pen, 4 cons).

- NZPA