A fine weekend of NPC action came to a close in Hamilton on Sunday afternoon, Waikato overcoming a very spirited challenge from Southland to win 30-15.

In the build up to this season's competition it had been widely assumed that Southland and the Bay of Plenty would occupy the bottom positions on the table come season's end. After the Bay's narrow to defeat to North Harbour on Saturday evening, and Southland's efforts here, those assessments may need to be revised.

Waikato took an early lead with a try from former Auckland flanker Steven Bates, converted by former Counties full back Loki Crichton, before Southland took control of the remainder of the first half.

Inspired by the work of half backs Jimmy Cowan and Ashley Barron, their side were able to exert excellent pressure because of the field positions established and then score the points. Tries to Hale Pole and Seremaia Bai took the Southlanders to an eight point lead before a late Roger Randle reduced the deficit to 15-12 at half time.

Stung by these reverses , Waikato stepped up their game but Southland had a whiff of victory and turned out to be stern opponents. Led by no8 Paul Miller, on loan from Otago but a former Southland player, they had the better of the early exchanges. Then coach Ian Foster decided to send on the heavy artillery on the bench - Royce Willis and Marty Holah - and this turned the match as Southland tired.

Bates scored his second try after a line -out mix up not so very different from the one which allowed Richard McCaw to score for the All Blacks against the Wallabies in Sydney, and a late Derek Maisey try secured the bonus point.

Southland can look forward to next week's home match against Wellington in Invercargill with a fair degree of confidence. They leave Hamilton pointless but with the knowledge that they have the playing personnel to be competitive. Waikato will improve , today's struggle reminding them of the importance of concentrating for the full 80 minutes.

Teams

Waikato : Loki Crichton, Roger Randle, Keith Lowen, Mark Ranby, Bruce Reihana, Derek Maisey, Isaac Boss, Deon Muir ( captain ), Steven Bates, Scott Couch, Chresten Davis, Keith Robinson, Tony Philp, Greg Smith, Michael Collins.

Subs : Scott Linklater, Deacon Manu, Royce Willis, Marty Holah, Rhys Duggan, David Hill, Regan King.

Southland : Richard Newman, Pailate Fili, Hayden Martine, Seremai Tai, Roy Hawker, Ashley Barron, Jimmy Cowan, Paul Miller, Ben Herring, Hale Te Pole, Steve Jackson, Daniel Quate, Brett Roberts, David Hall, Clarke Dermody.

Subs : Paul Roberts, Leits Fili, Andrew McClintock, Iona Sipa, Jason Harrison, Bryan Milne, Norman Liqair