Victorious Nelson Bays to host division two final

2.30pm

Nelson Bays fended off North Otago's challenge for the second time this season today and will play the winners of tomorrow's Hawke's Bay-Counties Manukau match in the NPC division two rugby final next Saturday.

They scored four tries to two to win 32-15 and maintain their record as the only unbeaten team in all three divisions this year.

Though they were on the backfoot in the first quarter today and conceded an early try, Nelson gradually wore down North Otago and took the fight out of their opponents.

"I have to say it was again phased out in the forwards," Nelson Bays coach Wayne Love said.

"It was a gutsy, determined effort and we got some good ball to play with in the backs in the second half.

"I think we trusted our pattern because we've been working hard throughout the year and some patience was needed on that wet surface today."

A naturally disappointed North Otago captain Mike Mavor blamed a heavy penalty count against his team for their demise.

"We just gave away too many penalties - you can't win in those sorts of circumstances," Mavor said.

"They were quite smart in the forwards and pulled us down a lot of times."

Nelson Bays captain Gavin Briggs said the pride and passion involved with playing at home had a major role in their win today and last week's close victory over title favourites Hawke's Bay.

"We took a leaf out of last week's book because we knew we could play and win at this level (play-offs)," he said.

"We had to be patient in the conditions because we knew North Otago had a lot of elusive runners.

"We played it up the middle first and let the ball go wide later - we had the three quarters who could score," he said.

"It's huge pride and passion when we're playing at home and I hope we can show that once more next week."

As Nelson finished first in the round-robin competition, they will host the final.

Nelson Bays 32 (Patrick Finau, Isikeli Ratulevu, Tim Taylor, Lucky Mulipola tries; Aaron Kimura 2 pen, 3 con)

North Otago 15 (Watisoni Lotawa, Pila Fifita tries; Ryan Bambry pen, con). Halftime: 11-10.

- NZPA

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