Otago take opening NPC spoils
August 10, 2001

Otago have opened this year's NPC competition with a narrow 15-12 victory over North Harbour.

The opening try for Otago came from a counter attacking move after a Willie Walker penalty attempt hit the post. Some good handling sent Hayden Reid into the corner and his effort was converted by Brendan Laney.

North Harbour soon reduced the rearrears after a spell of pressure with Walker this time kicking his penalty attempt. Shortly before half-time Walker was given another opportunity and he was once agin on target to make the score 7-6 at the break.

Otago extended their lead early in the second half when Laney kicked his first penalty when Newby was judged to have handled on the ground.

The game was lit up shortly after when Osborne spilled on the Otago's 22, then Leaupepe snapped the ball up and fed Laney who raced away to score.

North Harbour responed with a penalty from former All Black great Frano Botica to close the gap to six points. He slotted another soon after which was due reward for their dominance in territtory and possession but they were unable to overhaul Otago before the final whistle.

Scorers:
Otago : 15: Tries : Reid, Laney. Conversion : Laney. Penalty : Laney

North Harbour 12 : Penalties : Walker (2), Botica

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