Rugby: Buller too strong for King Country

Buller were too strong for King Country and gave themselves a chance for a semifinal spot in the Meads Cup rugby competition with a 25-8 win over King Country in Westport today.

King Country will be ruing a number of missed opportunities after dominating possession.

Buller made the most of their chances with lively winger Mitieli Kaloudigibeci scoring two excellent tries.

Nathan Thompson also kept King Country pinned back with some excellent kicking and his shots for goal were generally accurate.

For Buller, Kaloudigibeci was the outstanding back while Damien Bayley had a strong game in the loose.

Jared Murrell was sound at fullback for King Country but failed to take two or three easy opportunities to convert penalties into points. Best of their forwards was Jared Needham.

Scores: Buller 25 (Miteli Kaloudigibeci 2, Casey Gibson tries; Nathan Thompson 2 pen 2 con) King Country 8 (Hone Wanden try, Jared Murrell pen). Halftime 7-5.

- NZPA