Otago hold to win 24-20

OTAGO 24 BAY OF PLENTY 20

Otago held on grimly for a 24-20 win over Bay of Plenty in their national provincial first division rugby championship (NPC) match at Carisbrook, Dunedin today.

Both teams scored two tries each but Otago first five-eighth Willie Walker's four penalties and a conversion made the difference.

Otago's only second half points came from two Walker penalties, whereas Bay of Plenty scored a converted try, missed a penalty and dominated the attacks in the last 10 minutes.

Both of Bay of Plenty's tries were scored by winger Anthony Tahana.

Promising openside flanker Josh Blackie and second five-eighth Seilala Mapusua scored for Otago, the pre-competition favourites.

It was the second close loss for Bay of Plenty against a province with a Super 12 base. They went down 26-31 to Canterbury last Sunday.

In last night's match, Wellington upset Auckland 46-42 at Eden Park.

Otago 24 (Josh Blackie, Seilala Mapusua tries; Willie Walker 4 pen, con), Bay of Plenty 20 (Anthony Tahana 2, Glen Jackson 2 pen, 2 con). Halftime: 18-13.

- NZPA