Rugby: Wanganui unlikely to kick on from convincing win

The sad reality of Steelform Wanganui's big 44-7 win over cellar-dwellers East Coast on Saturday was that it did not change their position on the Pink Batts Heartland Championship table because key teams above them had important wins.

With the Meads Cup now out of consideration, Wanganui still remain outside the Lochore Cup group as North Otago shook off their recent form slump to end Thames Valley's unbeaten run with a 19-15 win in Paeroa.

North Otago, outscored two tries to one, gained victory thanks to the boot of Ben Palmer and Stephen Fenemor.

King Country held off Wanganui's upcoming opponent West Coast by 15-10 in a tight match in Taupo, likewise also staying clear of Wanganui by moving into the second home Lochore Cup semifinal spot.

Buller have now put their signature all over the competition after they went to Ashburton and upended the 2013 Meads Cup champions Mid Canterbury 29-19, maintaining their 100 per cent winning record.

Penijamini Nabainivalu scored two tries, while his fellow Islanders Iliesa Ravudra and Isei Lawaqai got the others.

They stayed ahead of the team they defeated the previous weekend, South Canterbury, who held on for a crucial 32-28 win over Poverty Bay in the Top 4 clash in Timaru.

Tenari Saumani scored a double for the home side, while Poverty Bay still picked up two bonus points by scoring four tries, which keeps them clear of Thames Valley in fifth spot.

Horowhenua Kapiti moved up to third as they continue their strong season by just holding off a desperate Wairarapa Bush 12-9 in Levin.

No tries were scored with Perry Hayman's four successful penalties being enough against Grey Mullany's three.