By Adam Blackwell
OBU: 25 Norths: 30
A last minute try was the difference between Old Boys-University and Northern United at
Jerry Collins Stadium today.
In the dying moments, with the score tied at 25 all, Izzy Foai busted through the defence
and made his way deep into Norths territory. His offload attempt, however, was intercepted
by Esi Komaissavai who ran 70 meters in the opposite direction to score in the corner.
Then when the ball bobbled over the sideline after the ensuing kickoff, time was up and
Norths were victorious 30-25.
Norths controlled territory early with OBU only making one real trip into opposition territory
which resulted in a penalty converted by Dale Sabbagh.
Despite all the play taking place inside OBU’s half, the score was only 10-3 to Norths after
twenty minutes, mainly thanks to their faltering lineout and OBU’s stern defence.
OBU’s lineout, on the other hand, was a strong point of their performance working
smoothly all afternoon.
Two rolling mauls led to tries for the Goats, the first came directly from a rolling maul and
the second scored by Agustin Escalona through a pick and go after the maul had stalled.
With the score 15-10 to OBU just before halftime Norths second five Kienan Higgins
received a yellow card for an intentional knockdown, stopping a promising OBU attack.
OBU was unable to make use of the extra man during Higgins absence with Norths scoring
through winger Te Kahui Bishop just after halftime.
The third OBU try of the day, which came in the 52nd minute, was scored by second five Izzy
Foai after he got amongst the forwards and rumbled his way over from a pick and go close
to the line.
OBU will be back in action next week, taking on Hutt Old Boys Marist at Nairnville park.