Rugby: Hawkes Bay put Bays to sword

NPC Second division

The Zimbabwe connection once again helped to do the trick for Hawkes Bay as they took their NPC second-division rugby record to two from two in Napier.

Goalkicker Antony Papenfus scored 20 points as Hawkes Bay beat reigning champions Nelson Bays 33-27 on Saturday.

Fellow Zimbabwean Karl Mudzamba added another try to the impressive double he scored from the wing in round one.

The result took Hawkes Bay to the top of the table alongside former Central Vikings partners Manawatu, although Bay of Plenty had the bye after their opening-round win.

Papenfus, who started at fullback but played the final 26 minutes in his more familiar position of first five-eighths, scored a try and kicked three penalties and three conversions.

He succeeded with six of his nine kicks at goal and took his NPC tally to 34 points.

Hawkes Bay did well to recover from an early 0-12 deficit and stayed focused after each of Nelson Bays three controversial tries had been scored.

In Paeroa, Manawatu maintained their early momentum with a solid 25-15 win over Thames Valley.

Manawatu, who opened their campaign by beating Mid-Canterbury last weekend, fed off the opposition's mistakes to make the most of their chances and deserved their 10-3 lead at halftime.

Two Ashley Barron penalties and a try by fullback Michael Pettman sealed the win.

Thames Valley halfback Aaron McDonald and newcomer Glen Neems is the midfield were sound, while the best of their forwards were No 8 Brad McNaughten and flanker Simon McKearney.

In Te Kuiti, an outstanding goalkicking performance by halfback Lee Peina saw King Country pip Wanganui 28-27 to inflict their second consecutive narrow loss.

Peina kicked 23 points including seven penalty goals as King Country made a strong start to the match going to a 12-point advantage in the first quarter.

The visitors scored four tries to one to grab a bonus point.

In Blenheim, a try by Regan Finch two minutes from fulltime clinched Marlborough a 17-8 win over Mid-Canterbury.

- NZPA