Otago defeat North Harbour in dour tie

Otago's front-row provided the finishing flair in their 21-13 win over North Harbour in tonight's NPC first division match in Dunedin.

Prop Chris King and hooker Jason MacDonald both crossed within seven minutes early in the second half to propel Otago to their third win of the season.

Crowd figures have been low at Carisbrook all season and the dour match tonight would have done little to rattle the turnstiles for future fixtures.

Apart from the brief try scoring blitz, the game rarely threatened to burst into life as North Harbour saw their 13-6 halftime lead whittled away after dominating possession and field position.

An Otago maul from a close lineout saw King barrel over outwide in the 45th minute which gave the hosts the lead for the first time in the match.

North Harbour's poor handling seven minutes later saw MacDonald bump his way to the tryline following a good chase from the Otago players.

North Harbour centre Anthony Tuitavake spilled the ball inside Otago's 22 whilst on attack, with Otago regaining possession from the ensuing downfield kick.

Three Otago players swamped the isolated North Harbour winger before MacDonald took the pass.

After first five-eighths Nick Evans and Luke McAlister traded two penalties each in the opening minutes, it took until the 31st minute for the first try when North Harbour blindside flanker Brent Wilson crossed.

The win leaves Otago on 14 points with North Harbour likely to lose their top-four spot after the weekend's matches.

- NZPA