Otago - NPC News
	Try hat trick `something special' By Brent Edwards The grin returned to the face of Otago rugby as captain Kelvin Middleton scored a hat trick in the 54-5 win over Southland at Carisbrook on Saturday. Otago scored all seven tries when Southland had only 14 players - flanker Simon Etheredge was sin-binned in the first half for a late, high charge on Justin Swart and sent off in the second minute of the second spell for a similar offence on Tony Brown - but at least it played with enthusiasm and a fair degree of skill. Southland tried to atone for Etheredge's stupidity with tenacity, but it was always going to be an uphill battle against an Otago side determined to redeem itself after its woeful display against Taranaki. Middleton led from the front and scored the first hat trick of his career as Otago dominated the second and third quarters, in which it outscored Southland 38-0. "I don't think I've ever scored a hat trick and to score one for Otago is something special," Middleton said. "I've never been a great try-scorer. I might have scored one back at school in Queenstown, in my heyday, but to score one at Carisbrook in front of my parents is something to remember." Middleton and All Black loosies Josh Kronfeld and Taine Randell were in excellent form and they revelled in the platform set by the tight five. Middleton scored the first Otago try from a scrum drive, and the next two with good body position and fine support play as Otago capitalised on Southland's disarray. Ahead 47-0 midway through the second spell, Otago should have finished off the stout but limited Southland side but spent much of the last quarter on defence. While Otago scored some thrilling tries, a more clinical and ruthless side would almost have doubled the tally against the the first division cellar-dweller. But at least there was some excitement and a glint in the player's eyes as they made good their promise to farewell Kronfeld from Carisbrook in style. "We took a hard look at outselves during the week and we pointed a few fingers at each other," Middleton said. "We were brutally honest about the way we'd been playing. "The boys were absolutely shattered after the game. They gave their all. "But we still have to look at a few things. We have to keep the sort of performance we produced in the second and third quarters going for the full game. "But we were just pleased to get through the day and do something for Josh and for the fans who have stuck with us through thick and thin." Coach Kevin Gloag was pleased with the continuity between backs and forwards. "It was important to get some confidence and enthusiasm back and we played with a lot of enthusiasm. The boys started to have a bit of fun and enjoy themselves. There were some tired bodies by the end. The pace of the game took its toll." Anton Oliver, apart from spending 10 minutes in the sin-bin early in the game, gave the Otago pack extra aggression and there was plenty of commitment among the tight five, prop Carl Hayman justifying his promotion. Pita Alatini displayed neat hands and footwork in midfield; Mapusua was strong and often skilful, while fullback Justin Swart and Hayden Reid were most impressive. Swart, who was involved in a lot of play, had by far his best game for Otago while Reid sprinted 65m for one try and set up two others. Southland displayed commendable spirit but it was hit hard, not only by Etheredge's ordering-off but by the injuries which forced captain Brendon Timmins and Davin Heaps from the field. Matt O'Connell battled unceasingly from No 8, and the seven-man pack played above itself in the second spell, but it lacked organisation and game-breakers in the backs. Southland coach Leicester Rutledge conceded the sin-binning and subsequent dismissal of Etheredge - Otago led 9-0 when he received the yellow card - had left his players an impossible task. "But I was pleased with the pressure we put on in the last quarter. If we'd been able to do that throughout, things might have been different."

 
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