Rugby: Buller snatch narrow win in Coast derby

A lone second-half try to Buller winger Mitieli Kaloudigibeci carried the visitors to a 20-19 upset of West Coast in a Heartland championship rugby match in Greymouth today.

Kaloudigibeci dodged several defenders to score beside the posts 10 minutes after halftime and the conversion by Nathan Thompsn gave Buller a one-point advantage they clung to.

The first half was dominated by the bigger Coast side although their neighbours scored first through a Thompson penalty.

West Coast had the first try when gliding winger Maleli Tora skipped around opposition Marcus Taylor to score in the corner.

A second try for the hosts came via the forwards when Lasa Ulukuta collected an offload from Eroni Uluiborutu and found Ofa Misa for a 12-3 lead.

Buller defended stoutly and scored through a penalty and a chip-and-chase try to Taylor although that was spoiled just before the break by Tora's second try.

Buller 20 (Marcus Taylor, Mitieli Kaloudigibeci tries; Nathan Thompson 2 pen, 2 con) West Coast 19 (Maleli Tora 2, Ofa Misa tries; Corey Simpson 2 con). Halftime: 13-19.

- NZPA