Southland keep Northland winless

Southland got up in yet another close finish, beating Northland 21-15 for their fourth NPC first division rugby win of the season in Whangarei today.

In the process, they consigned Northland to their eighth loss of the season and stretched their first division winless streak to 26.

It meant Southland are headed for one of their best NPC finishes in recent memory, just outside the top-four.

The battle between New Zealand's two most far-flung unions was a dour struggle in the rain, both sides scoring two tries apiece while Southland's Richard Apanui provided the difference with his boot.

Southland led 16-5 at halftime thanks to three Apanui penalties and a try to wing Watisoni Lotawa.

In similar fashion to his try a week ago against Bay of Plenty, Lotawa latched on to a pinpoint kick from halfback Jimmy Cowan to slide over in the 28th minute.

Apanui's conversion gave Southland a 16-0 lead but the hosts fought back, wing Isoa Neivua scoring five minutes before the break down the blindside after a powerful lineout drive.

Replacement hooker Jason Rutledge extended Southland's advantage to 21-8 in the 56th minute when he dived over to score from a lineout close to the Northland goal line.

Northland captain David Holwell kept his side in the game after a series of phases when he scored a try and converted it to make it 21-15 with 13 minutes left.

Northland mounted a late charge with a lineout on Southland's line, but Southland pinched the vital turnover with time up and Cowan kicked to touch to end the match.

- NZPA