KEY POINTS:
WANGANUI- Wanganui completed their Meads Cup Heartland rugby run unbeaten in Wanganui today, downing North Otago 19-8, although it seemed their minds were at times more on next week's semifinal.
Wanganui took all the kudos in the first half against last year's champions North Otago, leading 12-3 at halftime and virtually playing the champions out of the match.
Both sides, under strength because of injury, staggered their way rather forgetfully through the second half, although Wanganui were never under any great pressure.
North Otago coach Mike Mullins was possibly not too happy about his side's lack of attacking skills, coming on from the bench and scoring North Otago's only try with three minutes to go.
Dominating player of the game was Wanganui stand-in captain Denning Tyrell, who produced an excellent halfback's performance into the wind.
Big flanker Matt Clutterbuck was North Otago's best player.
Score: Wanganui 19 (John Mow, Cameron Crowley, Mike Fitzgerald tries; Mark Davis 2 con) North Otago 8 (Mike Mullins try, Pale Tuilagi pen). Halftime: 12-3.
- NZPA
