North Otago went on a tour of japan in 2008 where they played matches against three japanese clubs Suntory, NEC and IBM. The first game of the tour was against Suntory who were the current Japanese Top Leage Champions, and champions of Japan's Microsoft Cup. Suntory took an early advantage over the North Otago side, managing a 22-3 halftime lead. However North Otago produced good rugby in the second spell with wingers Jone Paumau and Lemi Masoe both scoring tries, and Pale Tuilagi converting both tries. Suntory 28-17 North Otago (Jone Paumau, Lemi Masoe tries, Pale Tuilagi 2 con, pen) The second match for North Otago was against NEC. This was another close game for the old golds, with only five points seperating the teams. Masoe managed another try on the tour as North Otago managed their first win of the tour. NEC 22-27 North Otago (Lemi Masoe, Josh Collier, Ben Nolan, Roma Sefo tries, Pale Tuilagi 2 con, pen) The third and final game of the tour was against IBM. Six tries went to North Otago in this match, three goin to halfback Nick Webster as North Otago ended the tour in style. North Otago finished the match ten points ahead of IBM, taking them to two wins, one defeat in the three match tour. IBM 28-38 North Otago (Nick Webster 3, Roma Sefo 2, Mike Mavor tries, Pale Tuilagi 4 con) |
Above: North Otago start the tour off with a haka. Below: North Otago players with the NEC team after the match.
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