Rugby: Lilley magic spurs Taranaki to victory

Taranaki has kept their NPC semi-final hopes alive with a narrow 18-16 win over Otago in New Plymouth last night.

The home side trailed 10 - 6 at half-time, but a solid kicking effort from fullback Daryl Lilley, which included five penalties and a match winning drop goal, sealed the victory for the home side.

Otago looked dangerous in the first half with left winger Romi Ropati scoring two tries. However five missed shots at goal from Tony Brown saw valuable points go begging for the southerners.

Taranaki's defence held firmly in the second forty minutes - Lilley added three penalties the drop goal, while Brown kicked two penalties but missed a crucial third which would have won the game for Otago.

It is the first win for Taranaki against Otago since 1986.