Old Boys University added another win to their tally, defeating Oriental-Rongotai 18-17 at Nairnville Park today.
Ories, who were top of the Jubilee Cup ladder going into this round, put in a great defensive effort, but OBU eventually proved too strong after a thrilling finish to the game.
Ories began the match in a strong manner, making their way over for the try line from a lineout drive from close range to score the game’s first try in the seventh minute to take an early lead.
OBU then had a wealth of possession and good field position but Ories were strong in defence, forcing a few errors from the hosts at crucial moments while also winning a number of ruck penalties.
After several trips into Ories’ 22, the pressure finally forced the Magpies to crack, conceding a penalty which Dale Sabbagh comfortably converted for OBU’s first points of the game.
Another Sabbagh penalty goal with nine minutes to play in the half put OBU up 6-5 but Andrew Ellis put Ories back in the lead with the last play of the half, intercepting a long OBU pass to run 40 metres to score.
Ories’ 10-6 halftime lead remained until the 63rd minute when Will Mangos, today playing at centre, ripped the ball free from his own player who was destined to be held up over the line and muscled his way over the line to put OBU back in front 13-10.
It was OBU who were in again 10 minutes later, with Nathan Blundell dotting down untouched in the left corner to give the Goats a bit of breathing room at 18-10 with five to play.
An Alex Ropeti try with a minute to play ensured the dying stages of the match would be tense with the Magpies trailing by just one point, and hearts went in mouths when Ellis broke down the right wing. Blundell provided the match-winning moment however, stealing the ball at the ensuing breakdown to wrap up the 18-17 win.
It was a satisfying win for the Goats, who were made to work very hard in tight, with their four competition points knocking Ories off top spot on the ladder while OBU retain ownership of second spot in the Jubilee Cup standings.
Norths’ 35-33 win over Hutt Old Boys has them one point ahead of OBU on the ladder, though the Goats can change that next week when they take on Poneke at Kilbirnie Park at 2.45.