So’oialo helps sink Wanganui
ERIN TASKER/STUFF THE accurate boot of first-five James So’oialo saw Horowhenua Ka¯piti beat Wanganui and seal their spot in the Meads Cup semifinals.
Horowhenua Kapiti inflicted Wanganui’s third loss of the season thanks to a great team effort and So’oialo, who kicked five penalties in their 15-8 win.
So’oialo was a standout while William Lander impressed at lock and tighthead prop Scott Cameron also had a big game.
With one week left of the Heartland Championship round robin three of the top four have been found. Table-toppers South Canterbury, Horowhenua Kapiti and Buller are assured spots with defending champions Wanganui facing North Otago at Cooks Garden in what is a virtual quarterfinal next weekend.
Yesterday, Buller pulled off a Houdini act in Ashburton after trailing at 29-6 at one stage but showed plenty of composure to beat Mid Canterbury 40-32.
As well as conducting Buller around the field James Lash scored 25 points courtesy of a try, four conversions and four penalty goals, to take his season tally to 118 points. O¯
Two tries in the dying minutes finished off Buller’s stunning comeback.
A brave Wairarapa Bush gave South Canterbury a fright at the start of their game in Timaru.
Two tries inside 10 minutes to former All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu and openside Epeli Rayaqayaqa, had them up 14-0 but they couldn’t hold on.
South Canterbury had the better second half to win 29-20.
A strong second half into the wind saw West Coast beat Thames Valley 24-17 in Greymouth, after they were tried 14-14 at the break.
For West Coast their loose forward trio of Amena Tukuna, Steve Soper and Brad Tauwhare had excellent games as did prop Troy Tauwhare.
A good second half also saw Poverty Bay beat King Country 43-29 at home in Gisborne, after being tied 19-19 at the break
North Otago romped home 57-14 over East Coast in amaru, scoring nine tries to two with Matthew Vocea and Josh Buckham grabbing a brace each.