Nelson Bays keep on keeping on

Nelson Bays' NPC second division rugby title aspirations were given a significant boost yesterday.

Their pulsating 36-34 win over Counties-Manukau in Nelson could prove to be of crucial importance as the competition develops.

Despite being humbled in the first round by division newcomers North Otago, there is a healthy respect among their second division peers for Counties-Manukau even though the side are a pale imitation of those who gave the province first division status until 2001.

Nelson Bays were wary of the northerners before yesterday's match and they had every reason to be, as Counties-Manukau underlined the threat they pose by outscoring the home side five tries to three.

The outcome maintained Nelson Bays' unblemished record, their third win from as many outings keeping them at the top of the standings alongside 2001 and 2002 champions Hawke's Bay.

Hawke's Bay were given a rough ride before leaving Waihi with a hard-fought 19-13 win over Thames Valley while reputations also counted for little in Ashburton as Manawatu struggled to a 16-14 win over Mid Canterbury.

The other third-round match saw Marlborough chalk up their first NPC victory at home in almost two years when they saw off East Coast 40-30 in Blenheim.

Nelson Bays' win over Counties-Manukau was in doubt right until the final whistle.

Nelson Bays led 23-10 at the interval and looked home and hosed when they cleared away to 33-15 after the break before Counties-Manukau finished powerfully with three late tries.

They appeared to have scored another midway through the second half when fullback Sailosi Tagicakibau sauntered across out wide, only for Canterbury referee Kevin Rowe to award the home side a penalty near the visitors' 22 on the advice of a touch judge.


Manawatu were lucky to emerge with their first victory of the campaign when they were more than matched by the modest Mid Canterbury side, who have just one point after three rounds.

Mid Canterbury at one stage led 14-8 before Manawatu replacement lock Hayden Triggs crashed over for a try midway through the second spell and they then hit the lead when first five-eighth Scott Leighton kicked a penalty with seven minutes remaining.

Hawke's Bay looked nothing like semifinal certainties as they were forced to labour hard for the result they wanted by Thames Valley.

Thames Valley came close to causing a huge upset but didn't have the polish in the backs to complement a hardworking forward pack.

Hawke's Bay managed just one try and had much to thank Colin Burke for after he chipped in with 14 points via his goalkicking.

Bevan Robinson accounted for all of the home side's points with a try, two penalties and one conversion.

There was action aplenty in Blenheim as East Coast came back strongly against Marlborough.

Nine tries were scored before the outcome was settled and not before Marlborough were given a fright after they seemingly had the match sewn up when they led 22-3 at halftime.

Openside flanker Regan Dixon was in fine form for the winners, contributing 20 points from a superb solo try on top of three penalties and three conversions.

- NZPA