NPC ROUND-UP
DIVISION ONE
Taranaki continue their unbeaten run and remain top of the first division after their 62-11 win over Northland.
Australian import Brock James scored 27 points from a try, two penalties and eight conversions.
The win was built on a solid scrum and deep backline running hard to open holes in
the defence.
Otago's strong first-half got them home 27-10 over Southland for their second win of the season. Wet, heavy conditions slowed the pace of the game considerably at Carisbrook.
Otago captain Anton Oliver said the conditions were difficult and the ground smelt, but there was no alternative for them.
"There's no way round it. Unfortunately there're some problems there - [the ground] is just not draining. It's quite smelly, the grass is rotting so it's a good old smell out."
DIVISION TWO
Counties Manukau bounced back from a disappointing draw against Nelson Bays last weekend to beat North Otago 48-43.
North Otago did themselves no favours, continually losing possession and missing first-up tackles.
A scrappy effort from Manawatu was enough to give them a 47-5 win over Thames Valley.
Manawatu scored four tries in the second half to grab the five competition points.
Hawkes Bay beat a plucky Marlborough side 30-6 in Blenheim. The visitors were clearly the superior team although they were denied a bonus point for the first time this season.
A 'flu-ridden Wanganui found enough second-half energy to score a 29-28 victory over East Coast with a try to centre Jeremy Meafou in the final seconds.
DIVISION THREE
Just one semifinal spot looks open after three rounds.
Mid Canterbury (14 points), Wairarapa-Bush (14) and Poverty Bay (12) appear to have tied up three places after gaining maximum points at the weekend.
In the lower half of the competition, West Coast were the big movers with a 23-0 win over Buller at Greymouth.
In Gisborne, Fijian winger Viliame Waqaseduadua scored three of Poverty Bay's six tries in their 44-15 victory over Horowhenua-Kapiti.
Mid Canterbury's size and strength in the forwards proved too much for South Canterbury, running away to a 32-5 win in Ashburton.
King Country led 17-8 at halftime but the Wairarapa-Bush forwards dominated possession in the second half for a 30-17 win.
- NZPA
NPC fixtures, results and standings
Division One | Division Two | Division Three
