Mooloos remain unbeaten

WAIKATO 48 TARANAKI 19

Taranaki's home-town advantage counted for little this afternoon as visiting Waikato chalked up seven tries on their way to a 48-19 victory in the NPC first division.

Waikato second five-eighth Keith Lowen had two tries, and centre Regan King one to put their side ahead 22-9 at half time. King scored another try during the last minute of the game, adding to second-half tries by fullback Todd Miller, prop Deacon Manu, and Roger Randle.

Hooker Andrew Hore and flanker Brent Thompson grabbed the only Taranaki tries, with Darryl Lilley on target for three penalty goals.

Waiakto remains the only unbeaten side in the first division.

Scores:

Waikato 48 (Regan King 2, Keith Lowen 2, Todd Miller, Roger Randle, Deacon Manu tries; Bruce Reihana pen, 5 con)

Taranaki 19 (Andrew Hore, Brent Thompson tries; Daryl Lilley 3 pen).

Halftime: 22-9.

In other first division play today, Auckland beat North Harbour 43-7, and Canterbury beat Southland 48-27.