By Stu Piddington

Defending Meads Cup champions Wanganui opened their season with a hard fought 21-10 win over South Canterbury.

The 'Butcher Boys' did not have it all their own way in Whanganui on Saturday with South Canterbury matching their physicality and competing well in set pieces, especially the lineout.

South Canterbury's ball running in the forwards was also very good but the backline failed to fire.

In the first half, especially, South Canterbury had plenty of ball but struggled to break down Wanganui's excellent defence as they strive for their third consecutive Heartland Championship title.

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In the second half South Canterbury were guilty of giving too many penalties away at the breakdowns and falling off a couple of crucial tackles after being tied 3-all at the break.

South Canterbury coach Barry Matthews said there were plenty of positive as his team stood up in what was a very physical battle.

"The boys did really well," Matthews said.

"Wanganui are always tough and while you always want to win and we showed good intent."

He said a positive was there was still plenty to work on and the boys were keen to learn.

"There won't be many sides that go to Whanganui and win."

The South Canterbury pack impressed, with some strong ball running, but the backline struggled somewhat to have the same impact.

Hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue was a standout but then suffered a leg injury that could keep him out for several weeks while halfback Willie Wright also hurt his ribs and had to be replaced.

Blindside Andrew Gooden was another to impress along with fellow debutant lock Solomone Lavaka, who ran hard.

Captain Nick Strachan and veteran prop Matt Fetu also had strong games.

In the backs first five Jared Trevathan put in a tidy performance in his 50th game for the 'Green and Blacks' while wing Kalavini Leatigaga looked dangerous but didn't get enough opportunities.

South Canterbury's late try came courtesy of a lineout drive with prop Garret Casey rumbling over, with Theo Davidson converting, with Willie Wright having landed an earlier penalty.

For Wanganui Gabe Hakaria and Simon Dibben scored tries with Craig Clare landing three penalties and a conversion.

In other games Mid Canterbury upset last year's Meads Cup finalists Horowhenua-Kapiti 30-24 in Foxton after withstanding a second half comeback while North Otago had a come from behind 30-24 victory over Buller in Oamaru, despite Buller scoring four tries to three. 

West Coast beat Thames Valley 27-25 in a thriller in Te Aroha to make it a good day for South Island provinces. 

King Country ran rampant in Te Kuiti with a 75-17 thrashing of East Coast with first five Declan Barrett and wing Dean Church both grabbing hat tricks in their 11-try romp.

Poverty Bay also grabbed a four try bonus point after edging out Wairarapa Bush 27-22 at home in Gisborne.

South Canterbury faces Poverty Bay on Saturday in their first home game of the season.

Wanganui 21 (Gabe Hakaria, Simon Dibben tries; Craig Clare con, 3 pen) South Canterbury 10 (Garret Casey try; Theo Davidson con; Willie Wright pen). HT:3-3

Other Heartland scorers:

King Country 75 (Declan Barnett 3, Dean Church 3 , Sam Warden, Shilo Cullen, Alex Thrupp, Evans Reihana, Ratu Vosaki tries; Reihana 7 con, 2 pen) East Coast 17 (Jack Richardson , Hakararangi Tichborne 2 tries; Ngarangi Harewa con)

Poverty Bay 27 (Kelvin Smith, Te Peehi Fairlie 2, Andrew Petelo tries; Ethine Reeves 2 con, pen) Wairarapa Bush 22 (T Flutey, N Hohepa, G Walters tries; Walters 2 con, pen)

West Coast 27  Thames Valley 25 (Shaun Hill, Sam McCahon, Kerrin Lee tries; Reece Broughton 2 con, 2 pen) 

North Otago 30 (Ralph Darling, Simon Lilicama, Pita Sinanoni tries; Josh Buckham 3 con, 3 pen) Buller 24 (Robbie Malneek 2, Iliesa Ravudra, Jack Best tries; James Lash 2 con)

Mid Canterbury 30 ( Brian Matormusha, Isireli, Masiwini, Timoci Nabakeke, Eric Duff tries; Jarred Percival 2 con, 2 pen) Horowhenua Kapiti 24 (James So'oialo, Himiona Henare, Willie Paia'aua, Michael Fermanis tries; So'oialo 2 con) HT: 27-7

Article added: Wednesday 29 August 2018