Rugby: North Otago steamroll Buller

North Otago made a strong start to the Heartland rugby championship with a 51-20 win over Buller at Oamaru.

The home side led 18-6 at halftime and turned on more heat early in the second half for a handsome win.

Poor defence and a lack of vision saw Buller struggle throughout the game.

In contrast, North Otago's considerably lighter forward pack managed to hold their own.

Speedy North Otago winger Scott Mayhew scored four tries, three in the second half when Buller was dropping off the pace.

Hooker Tobias Sekona, centre Faaitu Tuamoheloa and winger Stephen Sasagi all scored a try each, while second five Glenn Dickson kicked two penalties and five conversions.

For Buller, prop Clark Nelson and lock Craig Moore scored a try each, and first five-eighth Nathan Thompson kicked two penalties and two conversions.

North Otago 51 (Scott Mayhew 4, Tobais Sekona, Faaitu Tuamoheloa, Stephen Sasagi tries; Glenn Dickson 2 pen, 5 con), Buller 20 (Clark Nelson, Craig Moore tries; Nathan Thompson 2 pen, scon). Halftime: 18-6.

- NZPA