The Canterbury Cobra’s and Otago Riot have played a warm up match in Dunedin ahead of the 2017 NPC to be held in Auckland on December 9 and 10.
The Cobras made the five hour drive to Dunedin and were greeted to glorious conditions. 22 players from their squad of 30 made the trip down while Otago boasted an impressive squad of 30 players for the game.
Canterbury got off to a strong first quarter kicking five unanswered goals thanks to New Zealand midfielder Jay Johnson doing the hard work in the centre of the ground.
Otago found their feet in the second quarter, with Josh Mackie showing his International Cup form and dominating the midfield contest. Mackie’s link work with fellow NZ representative Christian Blackie was slick and the Riot found themselves back in the game heading into the main break.
The third quarter was once again a tight tussle with Otago Forwards James McKenzie and Logan Toomer making it tough for the Canterbury defenders.
A ten goal final quarter from Canterbury blew the game open as the Cobras came away with a convincing victory.
With the two sides set to clash again at the 2017 NPC, Canterbury will expect a much stronger Riot side in just over a months time in Auckland.
Final Score:
Canterbury: 15. 11: 101
Otago: 5.10: 40
