Last Saturday saw the culmination of the Otago wide rugby competition with King’s 1st XV playing John McGlashan 1st XV at Hancock Park to determine this years Champion.

John McGlashan were the two time playing through champions and were always going to be a tough opponent, just as they had been in the earlier round robin games where only 7 points separated the two sides.

About 1500 people packed the sidelines and they were treated to a wonderfully tense game.

Both teams bashed, crashed and smashed into each other, but ultimately the match was decided by the goal-kickers.

McGlashan opened the scoring when they dived over from a ruck close to the line in the 20th minute.

However, King’s had enjoyed the better of the half and Gio Leituala crossed the line following a series of rucks.

He kicked the conversion and the score remained 7-5 until midway through the second spell.

McGlashan first five-eighth drilled a penalty to give his team a 8-7 lead.

But McGlashan was caught offside about five minutes later and Gio Leituala lined up what proved to be the game-winner from 23m out and 15m in from touch.

A roar greeted his kick as he sent it sailing straight down the middle.

King’s went through the competition unbeaten and has earned a shot at Otago Boys’ High School First XV this weekend. The winner of that game will play Southland Boys’ High School in the Highlanders final in two weeks’ time, so there is plenty still left to play for.

Congratulations to coaches , management and players on a wonderfully successful season to date and good luck for the game against OBHS 1st XV this Saturday at Littlebourne 1.00pm.