Rugby: Canterbury top NPC table

CANTERBURY 43 TARANAKI 9

Canterbury overpowered Taranaki six tries to nil in New Plymouth last night to go to the top of the table in the NPC first division.

The red and blacks dominated possession and territory throughout the match, with two tries from captain Daryl Gibson and one from winger Afato So'oalo in the first half giving Canterbury a 24-6 lead.

Solid defence from Taranaki flanker Leo Crowley and first-five Craig Taylor limited the Canterbury points rush after the break.

But it was not enough to stop Gibson completing a hat-trick, with centre Mark Robinson and Norm Maxwell adding to the tally.

Taranaki's points were all from the boot of Daryl Lillee.