Wanganui sound warning in opener

Defending champions Wanganui showed they won’t relinquish their Heartland Championship crown easily with a 74-6 romp over West Coast in the season opener.

Wanganui ran in 10 six-point tries under the championship’s new points scoring system, at Cooks Gardens. Wing Michael Nabuliwaqe grabbed a hat trick, while hooker Roman Tutauha and halfback Lindsay Horrocks had big games.

For West Coast halfback and tryscorer Trent Reti tried hard against the onslaught.

Buller gave South Canterbury a big fright but couldn’t quite hang on in Timaru. The introduction of several super-subs got last year’s Meads Cup finalists home 28-26, after trailing by 18 points with 20 minutes left.

Buller first-five James Lash, who had an outstanding game, hit the post with a last minute penalty that would have shared the competition points.

For South Canterbury lock Ata Ata Langi Langi had an excellent game while subs Willie Wright and Viliame Logavatu made big impacts.

Buller’s No 8 Dan Hytongue impressed in a very good loose forward trio that included 176-game veteran Luke Brownlee.

Former All Black Zac Guildford added some star power playing at centre for Wairarapa Bush but King Country got home 18-16 in a tight but messy encounter in Masterton.

For King Country first-five Whakataki Cunningham drove his side well around the artificial surface while blindside Anthony Wise had a strong game.

Guilford played well but was probably guilty of trying too hard in front of big crowd of around 2000 at Memorial Park, despite the howling gale and rain.

The Stags’ best were fullback Sam Monaghan and blind side James Goodhew, who scored a superb try after pulling the ball out of mid air.

In Ashburton Mid Canterbury were down 16-0 early but showed good composure to come back and win 40-32 against North Otago. For Mid Canterbury first-five Jared Percival had an excellent all-round game and scored two tries.

Props Mike Lynch and Adam Williamson anchored a dominant scrum that grabbed two tightheads, while fullback Richard Catherwood showed his skills.

North Otago coach Barry Stevens said it was an opportunity lost, with the lead changing five or six times.

The Old Golds’ best were first-five Josh Carey and captain Sione Misilou, who was everywhere. Wing Simon Lilicoma also impressed on his Heartland debut.

Horowhenua Kapiti beat Thames Valley 34-30 with a last-minute try to first-five Drew Lima, after being down 16-0 early.

Horowhenua were down to 13 at one stage with two men in the bin, but captain Ryan Shelford was outstanding and showed his experience to rally his troops. Second-five Luke Hartley also contributed with a big game.

Thames Valley’s best were centre John Hale and No 8 Norman Solofa.

Poverty Bay beat neighbours East Coast in a high scoring encounter 54-30 in Gisborne.