It’s onto the semi-finals for the Billy Goats who today rounded out the round robin phase of the Jubilee Cup with a narrow 13-10 loss to Northern United today at Nairnville Park.
Unlike the clash earlier this season which saw 95 points scored, today’s match was played at a much slower tempo and the first points weren’t scored until the 20th minute when Norths crashed over after numerous phases.
OBU continued to have a fair chunk of possession and were eventually rewarded when Dale Sabbagh slotted a penalty goal, though the 5-3 scoreline remained for just four minutes after Norths created an overlap on the right edge.
Coming out of the second half up 10-3, the Norths defence remained solid as they held out several OBU attacks up the field and the visitors were eventually rewarded for their stern defence with another penalty goal.
Trailing by 10, the Billy Goats needed to score next and score next they did through Izzy Foai after a quick-tap penalty from five metres out.
With six minutes to play, OBU needed to score a try to win the game and they made a strong effort to do so in charging from their own 22 up to half-way, though a handling error saw Norths leave Khandallah with the victory.
Despite the loss, OBU remain with a home semi-final next week when Oriental-Rongotai will come to town. That one is at 2.30 with the venue to be confirmed.