Auckland head NPC after latest victory
September 14, 2001

Auckland have gone top of the NPC First Division after a 21-13 victory over Waikato at Eden Park.

The victory was sealed by a Carlos Spencer drop goal in the dying moments of the game that deprived the Mooloo men of a bonus point.

In a closely fought game the lead switched hand three times but for much of the contest Auckland dominated possession.

Auckland opened the scoring when after a series of turn-overs they counter-attacked through Ilisea Tanivula for a try after 25 minutes.

Despite being under pressure Waikato surged into the lead with a try finished by Marty Holah that was converted by David Hill.

It was shortlived, Spencer kicking a penalty on the stroke of halftime for a one point advantage at the break. Waikato regained the lead with a Hill penalty, but soon found themselves chasing again after Justin Collins' try.

Spencer made no error in converting the try for a five-point buffer with 20 minutes left in the game. Waikato came agonisingly close to scoring but Keith Lowen's touchdown was disallowed for a forward pass from Holah.

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