Wanganui go to top as third division table shifts once more

The NPC third division rugby landscape shifted once again as Wanganui launched a remarkable fightback against South Canterbury to snatch the competition lead yesterday.

The top of the table has altered considerably after every round this year and it was no different this week as the two top teams from last week - South Canterbury and Wairarapa Bush - were tipped over.

South Canterbury appeared set to build on their lead when up 20-0 at halftime at home to Wanganui.

However, they didn't count on the impact of Wanganui replacement first five-eighth Leon Mason, who helped spark a remarkable comeback and 22-20 upset win for the visitors.

Mason took advantage of better supply of ball from his pack to ignite the Wanganui backline and keep his forward pack going forward. Good option-taking and execution saw attacking players put into holes with accurate and well-timed passes.

His composure was crucial as they slowly whittled away at South Canterbury's lead, without trying anything too desperate.

A penalty to Brendan Bartley with five minutes remaining put them ahead for the first time. They could only watch as South Canterbury first five-eighth Richard Preston missed two penalty attempts and a dropped goal which scraped agonisingly under the crossbar.

Wanganui have been involved in four close, high-scoring games this year and have come out on top in three of them, often involving fightbacks.

Wairarapa Bush were never in the race against Horowhenua-Kapiti, who replaced them in second place with a 34-12 win at Paraparaumu.

Halfback John Clark scored two of the five tries as the home side surged to victory after leading 24-0 at halftime.

"This was the best performance of the season," Horowhenua coach Peter Kemp said.

King Country and Buller moved within range of the top four with impressive home victories over Poverty Bay and West Coast respectively.

King Country accrued a bonus point by halftime at Taupo, scoring four of their six tries in the first spell of their 43-26 win. Poverty Bay got a bonus of their own through four tries but remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

First five-eighth Michael Blank kicked 13 points for the winners while winger David Kara benefitted from the dominance of his forwards with two tries.

Buller won the West Coast derby 23-13, relying on better execution after their arch rivals made much of the early running.

West Coast were up 13-8 early in the second spell but with lock Jay Smith ruling the lineouts and flanker Luke Brownlee easily winning the race to the loose ball, the Buller pack dominated the last quarter.

First five-eighth Robert Aloe ensured the game was played at West Coast's end of the field and second-half tries to wing Kini Nauvasi and replacement prop Aisaki Tarogi.

- NZPA