Waikato continue run, Wellington beat North Harbour

By CHRIS RATTUE

Waikato crushed champions Canterbury in a stunning NPC encounter in Hamilton today.

Waikato have been the form team but Canterbury, laden with most of their All Blacks were still favoured to win.

Waikato forwards were superb as they repeatedly out-muscled their Canterbury opposites. Waikato forwards were so dominate that they won the rucks, 115 to 42 as their side scored 7 tries to 6.

Three of Waikato's tries went to stand in first five-eighths Derek Maisey, who was Waikato raised and played a couple of games for Canterbury three seasons ago.

Another star Waikato performer was wing Bruce Reihana, their temporary goal kicker who landed ten out of eleven attempts.

Waikato have maximum points with four wins and four bonus points.

Canterbury also take away a bonus point.


In other matches, Wellington have beaten North Harbour at North Harbour Stadium tonight.

Wellington had a strong first half and were ahead 19-6 at the break, and while Harbour managed to close the gap significantly, Wellington held on for the win.

In the other first division NPC match played this afternoon Southland beat Otago 16-7.

Waikato: 59 - Tries: Derek Maisey (3), Deon Muir, Roger Randle (2), Marty Holah. Cons: Bruce Reihana (6). Pens: Reihana (4).
Vs
Canterbury: 41 - Tries: Justin Marshall, Nathan Mauger, Joe Maddock, Ben Blair, Alisi Tupuailea, Mark Robinson. Cons: Andrew Mehrtens (4). Pen: Mehrtens. Halftime: Waikato 31-19.

North Harbour:17- Tries: Tony
Woodcock. Cons: . Pens: Luke McAlister (4).
Vs
Wellington: 19 - Tries: Jonah Lomu, Tana Umaga, Riki Flutey. Cons: Flutey (2).
Halftime: Wellington 19-6.