South Canterbury made the most of their opportunities to score four tries and beat King Country 33-27 in a third division NPC rugby match at Te Kuiti today.
The South Islanders gained maximum points for scoring at least four tries, while King Countrypicked up a bonus points as well through a last-minute penalty goal that gave them a finish within seven points.
The home side started strongly, scoring a try in the third minute though second five-eighth Merv Kiel. First five-eighth Michael Blank kicked the conversion and a penalty to put them ahead 10-3 after 13 minutes.
South Canterbury first five-eighth Richard Preston, who had kicked a penalty goal, added a drop-goal.
South Canterbury overtook the lead the 21st minute when lock David Phiskie was driven over the line for a converted try.
Costly mistakes from King Country saw South Canterbury winger Isaac Russell slip away for a 32nd try.
King Country replied almost immediately from the kick-off when fullback Kevin Weinberg scored and Blank added the conversion to narrow the margin to 21-17 before halftime.
South Canterbury started the second-half strongly, scoring tries through No 8 Hamish Drennan and half Brett Williamson, to seal the victory.
King Country fought back with a cheeky try from halfback Ben Needham and Black converted to make it 33-24.
The home team attacked the line in the final five minutes and were rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts for Blank to snatch a bonus point for his team.
South Canterbury 33 (David Phiskie, Isaac Russell, Hamish Drennan, Brett Williamson tries; Richard Preston 2 pen, drop-goal, 2 con), King Country 27 (Merv Kiel, Kevin Weinberg, Ben Needham tries; Michael Blank 2 pen, 3 con). Halftime: 21-17.
