The Mount Aspiring College (MAC) boys 1st XV (MAC) lost to South Otago High School 23-19 on Saturday (22 May) in the championship division of the Otago Secondary Schools rugby competition.

MAC were below their best against one of the division's top sides, failing to capitalise on opportunities with a number of unforced errors, especially in the first half of the match where they struggled to relieve pressure situations.

South Otago, playing in front of their home crowd, started the match strong and it was against the run of play that impressive MAC mid field back Lachy Moore broke through to make a good break, linking up with wing Zach Smith who went over for the first try of the match.

South Otago continued to put MAC under pressure and were rewarded with a penalty and two tries to lead at the half time break 15-5.

MAC played with greater intent and accuracy in the second half, creating early scoring opportunities before first five Rory Read darted through a gap in the South Otago defence to score near the posts and bring MAC back into the game at 12-15.

Midfield back Lachy Moore made a number of powerful runs

South Otago remained composed, kicking a penalty before Lachy Moore made another break, being tackled just short of the line. The ball was quickly recycled and wing Ben Simmers scored MAC’s third try which was converted to give the visitors a one point lead at 19-18.

South Otago managed to close out the match with a late try.

“We showed glimpses of what we are capable of but in the end didn’t do it consistently enough and were outplayed on the day,'' MAC coach Gareth Houley said. “We will take our lessons

from the loss this week and turn it around against Wakatipu”.

MAC loose forward Thomas Hope had an outstanding match, disrupting lineouts and leading his forward pack around the field. 

MAC play Wakatipu High School in Queenstown this Saturday (May 29) in what is billed annually as the ‘Battle of the Crown Range’. 

MAC scorers:

Tries: Zach Smith, Rory Read, Ben Simmers

Conversions: Cullen Meyer (2)

Round Scores:

Competition Tables:

PHOTOS: Supplied