Swamp Foxes give Wanganui a fright

A missed penalty on the stroke of fulltime cost Thames Valley a rare win over Wanganui in the Heartland Championship.

Instead, the defending champions scrapped home 21-19 at a wet Paeroa, after trailing 12-8 at the break.

For the Swamp Foxes the front row of Travis Scott, George Lelenoa and Hayden Wisnewski dominated their Wanganui counterparts and also impressed as part of their big ball-carrying pack.

Fullback Josh Law also played well as did first-five Jared Goodall, despite missing matchwinner.

Wanganui’s best included lock Sam Madams and No 8 Bryn Hudson, while prop Viki Tofa also impressed under pressure. Firstfive Craig Clare handled the conditions well, while powerful second five Timoci Serwalu proved a handful.

Wanganui coach Jason Caskey said his side had to scramble to win. ‘‘All credit to Thames Valley, they will surprise a few teams.’’

Horowhenua Kapiti and Buller also made it two from two,

Buller had a big battle against neighbours West Coast for the Rundle Cup, but got home 34-19 after being down 19-16. the late

Halfback Andrew Stephens put in a polished performance for Buller as he became the 13th centurion of the country’s smallest union, scoring a try to cap off a memorable 100th game.

Lock Jeff Lepa was impressive while tighthead Anthony Ellis had a good game. First-five James Lash also landed a rare drop goal in his haul of 19 points.

West Coast’s best was flanker Steve Soper, who was into everything.

Horowhenua Kapiti won 39-5 against Poverty Bay in Gisborne, after being up 27-0 at the break.

First five James So’oialo put in an excellent performance as did Andrew McDougall at fullback. No 8 Tyson Maki had a strong game and was well supported by locks Willy Lander and Ryan Shelford.

Playing at home, 13-man North Otago resisted Mid Canterbury’s comeback to win 31-25.

Two yellow cards against the Old Golds late in the game gave Mid Canterbury a sniff, landing a penalty and scoring a try, to close the gap but the hosts held on.

For North Otago first-five Dan Lewis had a superb game, scoring 21 points including two tries, while fullback Josh Buchan also played well.

Up front, veteran prop Ralph Darling led the way.

Mid Canterbury’s standout was fullback Jared Percival in an otherwise forgettable performance for the Hammers.

In Timaru, South Canterbury got past King Country in an entertaining encounter 42-36, after they lead by two at the break.

South Canterbury had the four try bonus point after 27 minutes but could not quite shake off the tenacious King Country, who kept coming back at them.

For South Canterbury captain Kieran Coll impressed with his support play and defence, grabbing two tries, while Miles Medlicott showed some silky skills at first five.

Wanganui’s former All Black Alby Mathewson was a class act, while second five Jesse Williams ran hard.

Blindside Anthony Wise also had a big game, taking it to South Canterbury.

Wairarapa Bush bounced back from a thrashing by Wanganui the previous week to beat East Coast 36-10 at home in Masterton.