Rugby: King Country topping table

King Country shot to the top of the second division NPC rugby table, scoring four tries in their 29-22 victory over Manawatu in Palmerston North.

They lead with 18 points, one ahead of Bay of Plenty, who won at Nelson, followed by Marlborough, who beat Wanganui 22-0, on 15 and Hawkes Bay - who had a bye - on 14.

Two tries in the first five minutes set up King Country's good win.

They then went into cruise mode. Manawatu managed to score a try through replacement forward Aaron Palmer near the end to secure a precious bonus point for finishing within the seven-point range.

It was King Country's fourth win in the competition and Manawatu's third loss at home.

Manawatu were stunned when the King Country backs found plenty of space at the start for quick right wing Kuka Asalupo to bag the first two tries.

Hooker Paul Mitchell featured in the first and when held up close to the line flicked a ball in the tackle to Asalupo. With halfback Lee Peina nailing the goal-kicks, King Country were up 17-0 after nine minutes.

King Country engineered numerous overlaps but failed to take their chances after that, while Manawatu had only two and could not finish.

A powerful forward effort and outstanding defence were the key in Marlborough's victory over Wanganui on a muddy and wet Lansdowne Park. They led 17-0 at halftime.

Thames Valley deserved their 27-17 win over Mid-Canterbury. Once they had established a 14-3 lead at the interval their control was never seriously challenged.

- NZPA