Rugby: East Coast wary of Buller

Third division

Last year it was West Coast, now it is their neighbours, Buller, who are the talking point in the early stages of the third division competition.

Buller followed up a their first-round draw with Horowhenua-Kapiti with a 21-14 win over the same team in Westport last weekend - their first NPC success in 20 games and three years.

West Coast turned around an almost equally poor run of form last year to lead the competition before bowing out narrowly in the semifinals.

This weekend, Buller are back in Westport and are certain to be given respect from defending champions East Coast, who make the long haul from Ruatoria.

Delighted Buller co-coach Glen Elley said the team's and the town's celebrations were long and well deserved last weekend after their victory.

"There's no doubt about that - three years is a long time to wait," he said.

East Coast pose a big threat but showed they are not invincible on the road when drawing 26-26 with North Otago last weekend.

Competition leaders Wairarapa Bush, who shade Buller by one point, get the chance to shoot clear at the top when they host North Otago in Masterton.

They nailed their second straight win with a tough 16-12 defeat of Poverty Bay, also at home.

Poverty Bay get the chance to atone for the loss when they host West Coast in Gisborne, a team they beat 51-6 in Greymouth in round one.

Horowhenua-Kapiti, who looked kindly treated by this year's draw, get another chance to score their first victory when they host win-less but unlucky South Canterbury.

- NZPA