Rugby: Counties upset Mooloo men

4:30 PM

Bottom-ranked Counties-Manukau played their game of the season to overcome Waikato 32-30 in their NPC encounter at Pukekohe Stadium this afternoon.

The home side add maximum points to their NPC tally after outscoring the Mooloo men four tries to two.

Waikato started lethargically, with all points in the first half coming from the boot of first-five Glen Jackson.

Petelo, Leaupepe and Vidiri scored a try a piece for Counties. Loki Crichton boosted the total with two conversions and a penalty to give Counties a 22-9 halftime lead.

Waikato chipped away at the deficit with Jackson kicking three consecutive penalties early in the second half, only to see the gap widen after Counties lock Ramon Lindsay drove across the line.

The Mooloo men again came within striking distance of their northern neighbours, courtesy of tries to winger Bruce Reihana and prop David Briggs in the last ten minutes.

But it was not enough to prevent Counties taking their first win of the season.

Fortunately for Waikato, the Ranfurly Shield was not at stake.