Valley fail to maintain game lead

Horowhenua-Kapiti defeated Thames Valley 34-30 in the first round match of the Heartland Championship played at Paeroa on Saturday.

Thames Valley had the better of the game but lapses in concentration at critical times proved to be their undoing. The introduction of a six-point try and all kicks being worth two points contributed towards an open and exciting contest.

Swamp Foxes had run up a 16-0 lead but by capitalising on a quick tap penalty and then an intercept Horowhenua scored two quick tries to be ahead 18-16 at half time.

Following a penalty by Horowhenua, Thames Valley dominated territory and possession and crossed the line for a further two tries to be in front by 30-20.

However the final eight minutes belonged to Horowhenua who scored a converted try, after another quick tap kick, and then broke through in the final minute to score the winning try.

The Swamp Foxes can take some consolation from the fact that they did pick up two bonus points from this match by scoring four tries and finishing within seven points of the opposition.