Wanganui thrash Wairarapa in opener
DEFENDING champions Wanganui sent an early warning to others who may be after their crown with a 79-7 thumping of Wairarapa Bush yesterday at Cooks Garden, in the opening round of the Heartland Championship.
Former All Black halfback Piri Weepu could not deliver a win for the Bush in his first outing for the province and had to be replaced after a suspected asthma attack early in the second half.
The ‘Butcher Boys’ ran rampant scoring 10 tries with standout second five Timoci Seruwalu grabbing three while first five Craig Clare notched up 26 points before being substituted after 55 minutes.
Wairarapa Bush made the Meads Cup semifinals last year but appear to have work to do repeat that.
For Wanganui, locks Sam Maddens and Sokonaia Kalou impressed as did Fraser Hammond, who returned to the side after missing last season due to injury.
In the other semifinal rematch, Buller managed to hang on to beat South Canterbury 27-24 in Westport, after being up 17-0 at the break.
Flanker Luke Watson and prop Stephen Crackett were outstanding for Buller while second five Isaac Hogarth also had a big game.
First five James Lash scored 17 points for Buller with a try, three conversions and two penalties.
South Canterbury did, how- ever, manage to salvage two competition points, with four-second half tries and for being within seven points.
For South Canterbury, open side Nick Strachan played very well as did wing Setefano Sauqaqa against his old province.
Two other former All Blacks went head to head with Corey Flynn’s West Coast beating a King Country side, that included Alby Mathewson, 17-6 in Taupo.
The Rams could not give their favourite son, the legendary Sir Colin Meads, the perfect send-off. ROBERT STEVEN/STUFF
West Coast dominated the set pieces with tight head Daniel Davies a stand-out.
The Coast’s midfield of Sean McClure and Logan Heath were very strong in defence and made the most of the ball when it came their way.
Hooker Flynn came off the bench and lifted his players despite being short of a gallop.
Horowhenua Kapiti made the most of home advantage in Levin beating North Otago 22-19 in a close-fought contest, with a late try.