Ngati Porou East Coast finished their Heartland Championship campaign with a 34-19 win against Wairarapa-Bush on Saturday.
In a dominant performance, the Sky Blues outgunned the Bush by six tries to three in Masterton. It was the Coast’s highest score and strongestshowing of 2021. The Coast led 19-7 at halftime.
Jorian Tangaere, Sam Parkes (2), Hone Haerewa, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black and Tawhao Stewart scored tries for the Coast, with two conversions by first five-eighth Te Rangi Fraser.
For the Bush, Tupou Lea’aemanu, Tafa Tafa and Matt Masoe scored tries and Tipene Haira kicked two conversions.
The Coast finished the 12-team competition in eighth place, with three wins.
Their victory against Poverty Bay the week before meant that Saturday’s win against Wairarapa-Bush marked the first time the Coast had posted two wins in succession since 2012.
