Rugby: Buller keep record intact

At the halfway point of the Pink Batts Heartland Championship it is Buller who have emerged as the only team with a 100 per cent winning record after scoring a key 19-10 victory over South Canterbury in Westport on Saturday.

The two South Island sides swapped places on the table, as both scored one try each but Nelson import first five James Lash added the conversion plus three penalties and a drop goal to see his side home.

Poverty Bay and Horowhenua Kapiti maintained their Top Four standings as they picked up key victories on the road.

Horowhenua Kapiti made the long trip to Greymouth and held off West Coast, who scored a second-half converted try, to win 19-17.

Poverty Bay scored three tries to pick up a comfortable 23-10 win over Wairarapa Bush in Masterton.

Just one point outside the Top Four, Thames Valley also maintained their unbeaten record, which includes one draw, by beating East Coast 21-8 in Ruatoria, consigning Ngati Porou to the bottom of the table.

North Otago's form slump continued as they were beaten at home in Oamaru 17-14 by mid-table King Country.

Now 11 points outside the Meads Cup playoffs fourth spot, Wanganui has a lot of work to do if they even wish to be a top contender for the Lochore Cup trophy in four weeks.