Wellington, Sept 26 NZPA - Mid Canterbury beat North Otago 30-21 in Ashburton today to consign their southern neighbours to the second-tier of the Heartland rugby championship.

The dangerous North Otago will play in the Lochore Cup after finishing fourth in group B, a disappointing outcome for a union who had set their sights on competing in next season's new "division one" competition.

Both sides scored three converted tries but three penalties to Mid Canterbury's Kieran Lindsay made the difference and ensured his team would line up in the Meads Cup.

They trailed 0-7 early but were 14-7 up by halftime and 21-7 clear soon after the break.

Handling errors were hurting North Otago but when they did hold onto the ball they looked dangerous, with replacement back Lemi Masoe putting his side back into the game with his side's second try.

Lindsay's boot ensured Mid Canterbury kept their nose in front, with three straight penalties all-but sealing the outcome.

North Otago did make late inroads and the visitors were awarded a penalty try by referee Richard Kelly a minute from time when Mid Canterbury flanker Jon Dampney was sinbinned for a high tackle on Masoe as he headed for try number two in the corner.

Result: Mid Canterbury 30 (Jack Umaga, Josh Lindsay, Hayden Dwyer tries; Kieran Lindsay 3 pen, 3 con) North Otago 21 (Duncan Naude, Lemi Masoe tries, penalty try; Daniel Waenga 3 con). Halftime: 14-7.