Rugby: Stirring fightback for title

EAST COAST 25 NORTH OTAGO 21

East Coast claimed their second successive NPC third division rugby title with a rousing come-from-behind victory over North Otago at Oamaru yesterday.

The defending champions were outscored three tries to one but the goalkicking of first five-eighth Mano Flutey, who scored 20 points, turned the tide in East Coast's favour.

East Coast launched a stirring comeback from 9-21 down shortly into the second half to overcome a game North Otago side.

North Otago picked up tries through Hotili Asi, Dean Paterson and Toetu Palamo, and led 14-6 at halftime, but Flutey proved to be the influential figure.

East Coast coach Joe McClutchie said the key to his team's success over the last two seasons had been their great spirit.

"We've done it by being a unit. There's a real spirit of whanau [family] on the coast and that's what has made the difference," he said.

"The boys have a great deal of pride in pulling on that East Coast jersey and they've done a lot of work to get here."

McClutchie is keen for the team to be promoted to the second division but that depends on the wishes of the East Coast Rugby Football Union and criteria set by the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.

The North Otago players, and the crowd of 5000 which packed into Centennial Park, were left devastated after the final.

Coach Glenn Moore summed it up when he described himself as "gutted."

"What can you say? We've worked hard to get here and no one turns up to a final to get second," he said.

"We lost some intensity and composure at crucial times and East Coast really took advantage of that.

"But I'm really proud of my guys. We'll probably sit back in a few weeks and reflect on a good season that just didn't end the way we wanted it to."

Both teams made early mistakes in the first half and chose to kick for field position rather than keep the ball in hand.

North Otago should have been comfortable with a 21-9 lead but instead it was East Coast who finished the stronger.

Winger Jason Bright scored a try in the corner and Flutey kicked a conversion and three more penalties to seal the win.

Flutey and fullback Doone Harrison were the best of the East Coast backs, while captain Wirihana Raihania, flanker Horace Lewis and prop Tainui Forrester gave the visitors an edge up front.

Second five-eighth Mike Mavor, No 8 Regan Laughton and flanker Ross Hay were the standouts in the beaten North Otago team.

- NZPA