Nelson's mighty win at Trafalgar

Nelson Bays secured their second first division scalp in as many weeks with a shock 27-24 representative rugby win over Wellington at Trafalgar Park yesterday.

After beating Southland 20-16 in Gore two weeks ago, Nelson Bays stepped up another gear to stun last season's NPC first division champions.

Although the match was not granted first-class status, and several of Wellington's key players were absent, second division Nelson Bays still thoroughly deserved their win after leading 24-5 at halftime.

Wellington outscored the home team by four tries to three, and all of Nelson Bays' tries came in the first half.

But a superior Nelson Bays scrum and some outstanding defence ensured they led throughout in an exciting encounter.

Wingers Rudolph Meredith and Steve Dunn and bruising centre Joe Faaiu scored Nelson Bays' tries, Dunn from an intercept just metres from Wellington's line to give Nelson Bays their decisive halftime edge.

In Napier, Hawkes Bay thrashed Wanganui 40-14.

Despite fielding only five players in the starting XV from the team who drew 28-all with first division North Harbour three weeks ago, Hawkes Bay ran in seven tries and conceded only one which was scored nine minutes from fulltime.

Hawkes Bay captain and former All Black halfback Stu Forster was outstanding, having a hand in five of his team's tries.

- NZPA