KEY POINTS:
Poverty Bay were far too polished for South Canterbury, winning their opening Heartland rugby championship match 24-7 in Timaru today.
The Bay led 15-7 at halftime but were lucky with that margin after a touch judge ruled South Canterbury first five-eighth Mark Tutton had knocked the ball on as he stretched out to score.
Less than a minute later, the bounce of the ball and some sloppy defence saw Poverty Bay score and grab the eight-point halftime lead.
Poverty Bay were clinical in the second half, with first five-eighth Scott Leighton kicking three penalties. The hosts turned over the ball at crucial times and struggled to find any rhythm.
For Poverty Bay No 8 Malakai Ravulo was strong in defence while halfback Shane Leach and first five-eighth Scott Leighton controlled play well.
South Canterbury openside flanker Richard Phiskie was all over the park and lock Star Tuliakiono made several strong runs and was a handful for Poverty Bay.
In the backs Tutton showed plenty of potential.
Poverty Bay 24 (Quentin King, Jack Brooking tries; Scott Leighton 4 pen, con), South Canterbury 7 (Richard Phiskie try; Mark Tutton con). Halftime: 15-7.
- NZPA
