Sport + Motorsport
The Southland Stags have clinched their first win of the Bunnings NPC season, erasing a 22-point deficit to defeat the Manawatu Turbos 29-22 at Rugby Park this past Friday night.
It was a dramatic turnaround for the home side, who went into the halftime break scoreless and trailing 0-22. Manawatu had controlled the first half, with tries from Ngani Laumape, Vernon Bason, and Drew Wild putting them in a dominant position.
However, the Stags ignited in the second half, mounting a relentless comeback by scoring 29 unanswered points. The revival began with a try to midfielder Fetu Peni in the 53rd minute. He was followed over the line by winger Michael Manson just moments later.
Debutant lock Alex Yallop scored Southland's third try to close the gap to a single point, before a Dan Hollinshead penalty goal gave the Stags the lead for the first time. The remarkable win was sealed when another debutant, Fletcher Morgan, scored a brilliant solo try in the 72nd minute.
Surrey Park Grandstand Reopens After Upgrade
Surrey Park Grandstand is officially back in action after eight months of structural upgrades, ensuring it can continue to serve the Invercargill and wider Southland sporting community. Councillors, Council staff, and local club representatives gathered on Thursday to mark the reopening of the 60-year-old facility. The upgrade focused on earthquake
News Desk
The result marks Southland’s first victory over Manawatu in Invercargill since 2015, with the memorable win celebrated by a post-match fireworks display over Rugby Park. The Stags will now prepare for an away fixture against Bay of Plenty next Thursday.