Big back-to-back wins for SC over Buller
An impressive South Canterbury cruised to a second big representative rugby win over Buller with a 66-28 scoreline in Westport on Saturday.
The ‘Green and Blacks’ ran on 10 tries to four but were not quite as clinical as the week before in Timaru when they scored a record 78-10 win over the country’s smallest province.
Starting halfback Willie Wright impressed and scored two tries along with openside Pita Halaifonua, who again made plenty of metres.
First five Faalele Iosua, centre Pita Siale and wing James Wilson-Bishop also dotted down along with hooker Juniaah Faavae, blindside Tangi Savielo and substitute lock Solomone Lavaka.
Eight of the 10 tries were converted with Wright landing four, Iosua three and Jared Trevathan one.
South Canterbury
35-14 at the break.
The loose forward trio of Halaifonua, Savielo and Siu Kakala gave Buller plenty of headaches at the breakdown and with the ball in hand. had led
Iosua again directed play well at first five, ensuring the players outside him saw plenty of ball.
Coach Nigel Walsh said it was a real team effort, especially with some new combinations.
‘‘Everyone stood up and we scored some really nice tries.
‘‘Pita stood out with hard running and James saw a lot of ball on the wing and made the most of it.’’
Wright also made the most of his starting opportunity, Walsh said. ‘‘It has certainly given us a headache in terms of selection next week, not only starting but some good players will miss the 22.
‘‘It just shows the depth local players in club rugby.’’
With halfback Theo Davidson the only back reserve, blindside Savielo spent the final 10 minutes on the wing as Walsh emptied his bench to ensure everyone got time on what was a soft track.
South Canterbury face North Otago in Timaru on Saturday with the winner claiming the title new Hanan Shield Challenge Series title.
Mid Canterbury have opted not to play the final game of the series.
UC CHAMPIONSHIP
In an exciting UC Championship final St Andrews College came from 20 points down in the first half to beat Christchurch Boys’ High School 35-26 at Rugby Park in Christchurch.
It is the first time since the championship began in 2000 that St Andrew’s have won the crown while Christchurch Boys’ were gunning for their 12th title.
A strong wind played into the hands of CBHS in the first half and St Andrews in the second. of