Home semifinal major goal

RACING CLEAR: Cameron Hayton, try scorer for Wairarapa-Bush against Buller. PHOTO/FILEA WTA220912HBRUGBY08

Wairarapa-Bush remained at the head of the Heartland championship rugby table after their hard-fought 13-3 win over Buller at Westport on Saturday, and a place in the semifinals of the premier section, the Meads Cup, is now tantalisingly close to being confirmed.

With two preliminary round matches still to be be played Wairarapa-Bush will qualify for the semifinals if they can pick up a minimum of 2 points in total from these games, against East Coast in Masterton on October 5 and Thames Valley in Paeroa on October 12.

However, if they win both times and secure at least 4 points for doing so on each occasion they will actually host their semifinal match at Trust House Memorial Park in Masterton and it's safe to assume that is now the major priority for the side.

Wairarapa-Bush lead the Heartland competition on countback from Mid-Canterbury and West Coast. All three have 23 points, followed by the fast improving North Otago 20, Buller 15, Wanganui 14, King Country , South Canterbury and Thames Valley 13, East Coast 9, Horowhenua-Kapiti 8 and Poverty Bay 2.

Mid-Canterbury and West Coast are in much the same position as Wairarapa-Bush, probably needing just 2 points from their last two preliminary games to qualify for the semis. Mid-Canterbury have Thames Valley at home and Buller away to come while West Coast have the prospect of two "toughies" North Otago at home and Wanganui away. North Otago follow their away clash with West Coast with a home game against Horowhenua-Kapiti.

Beating Buller at home was always going to be a tough proposition for Wairarapa-Bush and the wet conditions meant points were hard to come by. Once again the boot of Glen Walters was a big factor for Wairarapa-Bush in the result. He kicked a penalty, dropped goal and conversion to take his tally for this year's Heartland campaign to 74 points. Wairarapa-Bush also managed the only try through Cameron Hayton while all Buller could come up with was a penalty by Andrew Stevens.

The elements dictated most of the match was going to revolve around the two packs and while there was little between them overall the Wairarapa-Bush eight were quicker and more constructive in the loose.

In other Heartland matches played on Saturday West Coast beat Thames Valley 33-18, North Otago beat Wanganui 27-15, South Canterbury defeated Horowhenua-Kapiti 30-13, East Coast beat Poverty Bay 22-0 and Mid-Canterbury accounted for King Country 32-17.

Meanwhile, the programme for the New Zealand Heartland XV has been confirmed with matches against New Zealand Defence Force in Methven on Tuesday, November 5 and New Zealand Marist in Timaru on Saturday, November 9.

King Country's Kurt McQuilkin will coach the side and the squad will assemble in Timaru on November 1. He said the New Zealand Defence and New Zealand Marist sides would provide stiff opposition.

"Traditionally, both New Zealand Defence and New Zealand Marist have proved tough sides to beat and I'm sure this year's matches will be no different. This year's Pink Batts Heartland Championship has been as exciting and competitive as ever, with a large number of players across all teams showing some exceptional form."

NZRFU general manager of community and provincial rugby, Brent Anderson said it was a great to have both games taking place down south.

"I'm sure fans from throughout the region will come out in force for what are always great contests and a fantastic showcase for the standout players of the Heartland championship."

The New Zealand Heartland XV is a selection of the top eligible players from the Pink Batts Heartland championship and will be named after the semifinals on October 19.