Kaupoi ride for Buller in Westport

Ngāti Porou East Coast halfback and captain Sam Parkes runs in a try with support from centre Apirana Pewhairangi during their match against North Otago last weekend in Ruatōria’s Whakarua Park. This week they play against Buller in Westport. Picture by Paul Rickard

Do they dare dream of three?

The Enterprise Cars Ngāti Porou East Coast Kaupoi in Sky Blue have established momentum with two classic wins in the Heartland Championship and are hungry for more.

Tomorrow at 2.30pm, they face Buller in Week 4 of the competition at Victoria Square, Westport.

NPEC head coach Kahu Tamatea said: “We’re grounded and energised.”

Buller, who felt the wrath of Poverty Bay at the Gisborne Oval 52-33 in Round 1, have lost 5-13 to Whanganui and 56-0 to South Canterbury since.

They will be desperate to defend their home territory against the reigning Lochore Cup champions and holders of the Bill Osborne Taonga.

Enterprise Cars NPEC Kaupoi: Hakarangi Tichborne, Jorian Tangaere, Perrin Manuel, Gabe Te Kani, Richard Green, Hone Haerewa (v), Will Bolingford, Hoani Te Moana, Sam Parkes (c), Terangi Fraser, Tevita Nabura, Taane Paki, Apirana Pewhairangi, BJ Sidney, Renata Roberts-Te Nana.

Reserves: Codey Ellis, Jody Tuhaka, Jayden Leiua-Pukia, Riki Waitoa, Jack Richardson, Josh Dearden, Te Aho Morice, Verdon Bartlett.

Buller: Tapiha Allen, Leopino Maupese, Anthony Ellis (c), Joel Everson, Caleb Havili, Kyle Te Tai, Taine Brownlee, George Reeves, Brett Cutbush, Jack Parker, Iliesa Tora, Joel Hands, Alex Lean, Blaine Meikle, Michael Stringer.

Reserves: Ehipa Thompson, Stephen Crackett, Timothy Dallison, Alan Paterson, Rowan Neilsen, Ben Pratt, Jesse Elley, Milieli Kaloudigibeci.