1976 National Provincial Championship

Last updated

The 1976 season was the inaugural year of the National Provincial Championship (NPC), also known for sponsorship reasons as the Radio New Zealand National Championship, a provincial rugby union competition in New Zealand. Bay of Plenty were the winners of Division 1, while Taranaki and South Canterbury were the winners of Division 2 North Island and Division 2 South Island respectively.

Contents

Division 1

Standings

PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFPts
1 Bay of Plenty 10811195112+832517
2 Manawatu (RS)10711142104+381715
3 Auckland 10613160133+271913
4 Canterbury 10604153118+352012
5 Counties 10604118107+112012
6 Wellington 10514165122+432011
7 Otago 10424106148+421110
8 Hawke's Bay 10406125130−5188
9 Marlborough 10307146192−46196
10 Southland 10217105161−56135
11 North Auckland 1001976164−8881

Results

May

12 May 1976
Hawke's Bay 7–10 Auckland
Try: R. L. Stuart
Pen: R. K. Whinham
Try: T. M. Saseve
Pen: S. L. Watt
Drop: M. K. Sisam
McLean Park, Napier
Referee: W. L. Adlam (Wanganui)
19 May 1976
Canterbury 23–9 Marlborough
Try: S. C. Cartwright
T. W. Mitchell
M. R. MacEwan
J. K. Phillips
Con: M. D. Heffernan (2)
Pen: M. D. Heffernan
Pen: S. W. P. Marfell (3)
Lancaster Park, Christchurch
Referee: D. H. Millar (Otago)

June

7 June 1976
Manawatu 23–13 Wellington
Tries: D.L. Rollerson (2), K. W. Granger

Con: D.L. Rollerson

Pen: D.L. Rollerson (2)
Tries: G.W. Skipper

Pen: C.J. Currie (2)

Drop: B.W. Cederwall
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North
Referee: C. P. Gregan (Waikato)
16 June 1976
Counties 12–19 Auckland
Tries: L.J. Hughes, A.G. Dalton, Patrick YatesTries: T.G. Morrison (2)

Con: S.L. Watts
Pen: S.L. Watts (2)

Drop: P.J. Parlane
The Stadium, Pukekohe
Referee: I. J. Clarke (Waikato)
26 June 1976
North Auckland 3–12 Auckland
Pen: S. SemenoffTries: D.L. Palmer

Con: S.L. Watt
Pen: S.L. Watt

Drop: H.K. Whiu
Okara Park, Whangārei
Referee: K. H. Lynch (Poverty Bay)
26 June 1976
Counties 4–15 Wellington
Tries: Patrick YatesTries: Grant Grifith

Con: C.J. Currie

Pen: C.J. Currie (3)
The Stadium, Pukekohe
Referee: M. G. Farnworth (Auckland)

July

3 July 1976
Bay of Plenty 9–10 Counties
Pen: T.J. Waaka (2)
Drop: L.J. Brake
Tries: R.J. Palmer, H.J. Habraken Con: G.K. Taylor
The Stadium, Rotorua
Referee: D. Cooper (Poverty Bay)
8 July 1976
Manawatu 19–6 North Auckland
Tries: M.G. Watts, M.W. Donaldson, G.S. Bowater

Con: D.L. Rollerson (2)

Drop: D.L. Rollerson
Pen: B.H. McCarroll (2)
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North
Referee: B. W. Duffy (Taranaki)
10 July 1976
Wellington 13–0 North Auckland
Tries: Stu Wilson, K.L. Phelan

Con: C.J. Currie

Pen: C.J. Currie
Athletic Park, Wellington
Referee: B. Williams (West Coast)
13 July 1976
Marlborough 24–17 North Auckland
Tries: D.W. Neal (2), B.P. Dwyer

Con: K.G. Sutherland (3)
Pen: K.G. Sutherland

Drop: R.E. Gordon
Tries: P.R. Halse (2), D.A. Haynes

Con: B.H. McCarroll

Pen: B.H. McCarroll
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Referee: N. C. Thomas (Manawatu)
17 July 1976
Southland 9–23 Manawatu
Tries: C.R. Davis

Con: G.T. Valli

Pen: G.T. Valli
Tries: P.W. Broederlow, K.G. Maharey, M.A. Wright, D.L. Rollerson

Con: D.L. Rollerson (2)

Drop: D.L. Rollerson
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Referee: L. Te Au (South Canterbury)
20 July 1976
Otago 0–0 Manawatu
Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin
Referee: J. G. MacDonald (North Otago)
20 July 1976
Marlborough 15–25 Auckland
Tries: D.W. Neal, M.J. Best

Con: K.G. Sutherland (2)

Pen: K.G. Sutherland
Tries: T.G. Morrison, H.K. Whiu, B.G. Ashworth, G.J. Rich

Con: S.L. Watt (3)

Pen: S.L. Watt
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Referee: A. Creighton (Otago)
24 July 1976
Hawke's Bay 33–10 Marlborough
Tries: R.P. Hunter (3), I.G. Grant, R.P. Bremmer

Con: R.D. Cox (2)

Pen: R.D. Cox (3)
Tries: M.J. Best

Pen: K.G. Sutherland

Drop: R.E. Gordon
Nelson Park, Hastings
Referee: D. R. Buckland (Wellington)
27 July 1976
Counties 10–6 Marlborough
Tries: R.J. Palmer

Pen: R.N. Lendrum

Drop: R.N. Lendrum
Tries: S.W.P. Marfell Con: K.G. Sutherland
The Stadium, Pukekohe
Referee: R. C. Francis (Wairarapa Bush)
31 July 1976
Marlborough 13–24 Bay of Plenty
Tries: P.G. Neal Pen: K.G. Sutherland (3)Tries: E.J.T. Stokes (2), J.B. Spry, Allan McNaughton, Graham Moore Con: Gregory Rowlands
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Referee: N. B. Whittaker (Manawatu)

August

4 August 1976
Wellington 18–18 Bay of Plenty
Tries: G.W. Skipper

Con: B.W. Cederwall

Pen: B.W. Cederwall (4)
Pen: Gregory Rowlands (4), T.J. Waaka
Drop: Gregory Rowlands
Athletic Park, Wellington
Referee: M. G. Farnworth (Auckland)
7 August 1976
Manawatu 9–28 Bay of Plenty
Pen: D.L. Rollerson (2), S.M. MurphyTries: E.J.T. Stokes, N.M. Taylor, J.T. Kamizona, L. Keepa

Con: Gregory Rowlands (3)

Pen: Gregory Rowlands (2)
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North
Referee: R. J. Watson (North Auckland)
7 August 1976
Southland 9–10 Otago
Pen: G.T. Valli (2)
Drop: N.J. Polson
Tries: Kenneth Mitchell

Pen: B.W. Wilson

Drop: B.A. Guthrie
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Referee: T. F. Doocey (Canterbury)
11 August 1976
Otago 6–18 Hawke's Bay
Pen: B.W. Wilson (2)Tries: T.J. Carter, P.J. Ryan, D.S. McCarroll Con: R.D. Cox (3)
Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin
Referee: B. Williams (West Coast)
11 August 1976
Manawatu 15–10 Canterbury
Tries: P.W. Broederlow

Con: D.L. Rollerson
Pen: D.L. Rollerson (2)

Drop: Brian Morris
Tries: Vance Stewart, M.D. Heffernan Con: M.D. Heffernan
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North
Referee: W. L. Adlam (Wanganui)
14 August 1976
Southland 6–7 Hawke's Bay
Pen: G.T. Valli (2)Tries:R.L. Stuart Pen: R.D. Cox
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Referee: J. Walker (Otago)
14 August 1976
North Auckland 13–21 Canterbury
Tries: M.J. Gunson Pen: B.H. McCarroll (2), R.D. LaurieTries: S.C. Cartwright (2), J.K. Phillips, A.C.R. Jefferd

Con: M.D. Heffernan

Pen: M.D. Heffernan
Okara Park, Whangārei
Referee: J. R. Innes (Counties)
17 August 1976
Bay of Plenty 12–6 Canterbury
Tries: Graham Moore

Con: Gregory Rowlands
Pen: Gregory Rowlands

Drop: L.J. Brake
Pen: R.G. Wilson (2)
The Domain, Tauranga
Referee: K. H. Lynch (Poverty Bay)
18 August 1976
Auckland (RS)9–9 Southland
Pen: S.L. Watt (3)Tries: D.R. Saunders

Con: G.T. Valli

Pen: G.T. Valli
Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: B. W. Duffy (Taranaki)
21 August 1976
Auckland (RS)10–12 Manawatu
Tries: Andy Haden, T.G. Morrison Con: S.L. WattTries: D.L. Rollerson

Con: D.A. Hales
Pen: D.L. Rollerson

Drop: D.L. Rollerson
Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: C. P. Gregan (Waikato)
21 August 1976
Canterbury 13–6 Hawke's Bay
Tries: A.J. Wyllie, S.C. Cartwright

Con: M.D. Heffernan

Pen: M.D. Heffernan
Pen: R.D. Cox (2)
Lancaster Park, Christchurch
Referee: G. L. Harrison (Wellington)
21 August 1976
Bay of Plenty 27–12 Southland
Tries: E.J.T. Stokes (2), P.M. Horrocks, A.C. Brown, Graham Moore

Con: Gregory Rowlands, T.J. Waaka

Pen: Gregory Rowlands
Tries: L.M. Rutledge

Con: G.T. Valli

Pen: G.T. Valli (2)
The Domain, Whakatane
Referee: J. P. G. Pring (Auckland)
24 August 1976
Counties 12–14 Manawatu
Tries: Patrick Yates (2) Con: M.M. Codlin (2)Tries: K.W. Granger, D.L. Rollerson, M.G. Watts Con: D.A. Hales
The Stadium, Pukekohe
Referee: L. Paul
24 August 1976
North Auckland 9–15 Southland
Tries: M.M. Dyer

Con: B.H. McCarroll

Pen: B.H. McCarroll
Tries: L.M. Rutledge, A.A. McGregor

Con: G.T. Valli (2)

Pen: G.T. Valli
Okara Park, Whangārei
Referee: K. H. Lawrence (Bay of Plenty)
28 August 1976
Auckland 28–31 Bay of Plenty
Tries: T.G. Morrison, D.N. Thorn, G.J. Rich

Con: S.L. Watt (2)
Pen: S.L. Watt (3)

Drop: P.M. Richards
Tries: A.C. Brown, N.M. Taylor, Graham Moore

Con: Gregory Rowlands (2)
Pen: Gregory Rowlands (4)

Drop: L.J. Brake
Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: D. H. Millar (Otago)
28 August 1976
Hawke's Bay 25–16 North Auckland
Tries: D.S. McCarroll (2), P.J. Durham (2), R.P. Hunter

Con: R.D. Cox

Pen: R.D. Cox
Tries: H.K. Sowman, D.A. Haynes, M.J. Gunson Con: B.H. McCarroll (2)
McLean Park, Napier
Referee: A. Bailey (Wellington)
28 August 1976
Otago 16–6 Counties
Tries: T.J. Burcher

Pen: B.W. Wilson (3)

Drop: B.W. Wilson
Pen: M.M. Codlin (2)
Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin
Referee: A. R. Taylor (Canterbury)
28 August 1976
Wellington 14–15 Canterbury
Tries: Stu Wilson (2) Pen: R.S. Cleland (2)Tries: P.A. Macfie, Don Stewart

Con: M.D. Heffernan (2)

Pen: M.D. Heffernan
Athletic Park, Wellington
Referee: W. L. Adlam (Wanganui)

September

1 September 1976
Southland 10–19 Counties
Tries: M.A. Mitchell, G.T. Valli Con: G.T. ValliTries: R.N. Lendrum, Peter Clotworthy, J. Rawiri

Con: R.N. Lendrum (2)

Pen: R.N. Lendrum
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Referee: S. C. Miller (South Canterbury)
4 September 1976
Auckland 16–26 Otago
Tries: G.L. Colling, G.J. Rich

Con: S.L. Watt

Pen: S.L. Watt (2)
Tries: L.A. Clark, M.W.R. Jaffray, A.C. Barton, B.W. Wilson

Con: B.W. Wilson (2)

Pen: B.W. Wilson (2)
Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: P. A. McDavitt (Wellington)
4 September 1976
Hawke's Bay 13–25 Wellington
Tries: Junior Paraha, P.J. Durham

Con: R.D. Cox

Pen: R.D. Cox
Tries: W.G. Proctor (2), Stu Wilson (2)

Con: R.S. Cleland (3)

Pen: R.S. Cleland
Nelson Park, Hastings
Referee: K. H. Lynch (Poverty Bay)
4 September 1976
Canterbury 6–11 Counties
Pen: M.D. Heffernan (2)Tries: Patrick Yates (2) Drop: R.N. Lendrum
Lancaster Park, Christchurch
Referee: B. M. Dawson (Southland)
4 September 1976
Marlborough 28–12 Southland
Tries: B.R. Ford, R.E. Gordon, John Davie, D.W. Neal

Con: K.G. Sutherland (3)
Pen: K.G. Sutherland

Drop: K.R. Hodges
Tries: L.M. Rutledge (2) Con: G.T. Valli (2)
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Referee: J. G. MacDonald (North Otago)
4 September 1976
North Auckland 3–17 Bay of Plenty
Pen: R.D. LaurieTries: Graham Moore, N.M. Taylor, Gregory Rowlands

Con: Gregory Rowlands

Pen: Gregory Rowlands
Okara Park, Whangārei
Referee: C. P. Gregan (Waikato)
8 September 1976
North Auckland 3–3 Otago
Pen: R.D. LauriePen: B.W. Wilson
Okara Park, Whangārei
Referee: R. J. Watson (North Auckland)
12 September 1976
Canterbury 16–7 Southland
Tries: G.E. Brain Pen: M.D. Heffernan (4)Tries: C.R. Davis Drop: B.J. McKechnie
Lancaster Park, Christchurch
Referee: D. H. Millar (Otago)
12 September 1976
Manawatu(RS)15–3 Hawke's Bay
Tries: M.G. Watts, A.C. Innes

Con: D.L. Rollerson (2)

Pen: D.L. Rollerson
Pen: R.D. Cox
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North
Referee: J. P. G. Pring (Auckland)
12 September 1976
Wellington 9–12 Auckland
Tries: G.W. Skipper

Con: R.S. Cleland

Pen: R.S. Cleland
Tries: T.G. Morrison, Andy Haden Con: S.L. Watt (2)
Athletic Park, Wellington
Referee: N. C. Thomas (Manawatu)
13 September 1976
Bay of Plenty 19–6 Otago
Tries: J.T. Kamizona, P.M. Horrocks, L.J. Brake

Con: Gregory Rowlands (2)

Pen: Gregory Rowlands
Pen: B.W. Wilson (2)
The Stadium, Rotorua
Referee: W. L. Adlam (Wanganui)
15 September 1976
Counties 15–6 North Auckland
Tries: E.S. McRobbie, R.N. Lendrum

Con: M.M. Codlin (2)

Pen: M.M. Codlin
Pen: Ross McAllister (2)
The Stadium, Pukekohe
Referee: B. W. Duffy (Taranaki)
16 September 1976
Southland 16–13 Wellington
Tries: J.W. Ellis, R.A. Ramsey, D.R. Saunders Con: G.T. Valli (2)Tries: G.W. Skipper, W.G. Proctor

Con: R.S. Cleland

Pen: C.J. Currie
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Referee: B. Williams (West Coast)
18 September 1976
Auckland 19–9 Canterbury
Tries: D.N. Thorn, J.S. McLachlan

Con: S.L. Watt

Pen: S.L. Watt (3)
Pen: M.D. Heffernan (3)
Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: N. B. Whittaker (Manawatu)
18 September 1976
Otago 7–29 Wellington
Tries: J.S. Colling Pen: B.W. WilsonTries: I.N. Stevens (2), P.B. Quinn, S.S. Wilson

Con: C.J. Currie (2)
Pen: C.J. Currie (2)

Drop: J.P. Gougan
Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin
Referee: L. Te Au (South Canterbury)
18 September 1976
Marlborough 13–12 Manawatu
Tries: John Davie, B.R. Ford

Con: K.G. Sutherland

Pen: K.G. Sutherland
Pen: D.L. Rollerson (3) Drop: B. Wright
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim
Referee: G. L. Harrison (Wellington)
18 September 1976
Bay of Plenty 10–7 Hawke's Bay
Tries: Gregory Rowlands Pen: Gregory Rowlands (2)Tries: D.S. McCarroll Pen: R.D. Cox
The Stadium Rotorua
Referee: J. R. Innes (Counties)
22 September 1976
Otago 20–14 Marlborough
Tries: T.J. Burcher, A.C. Barton, M.W.R. Jaffray

Con: B.W. Wilson
Pen: B.W. Wilson

Drop: B.W. Wilson
Tries: B.R. Ford, B.A. Kenny Pen: K.G. Sutherland (2)
Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin
Referee: B. M. Dawson (Southland)
25 September 1976
Canterbury 34–12 Otago
Tries: D.J. Stewart (2), John Munro, A.C.R. Jefferd, J.C. Ashworth

Con: M.D. Heffernan (4)
Pen: M.D. Heffernan

Drop: T.L. Mehrtens
Tries: R.A. Roy

Con: B.W. Wilson

Pen: B.W. Wilson (2)
Lancaster Park, Christchurch
Referee: A. Bailey (Wellington)
25 September 1976
Wellington 16–14 Marlborough
Tries: S.S. Wilson, W.G. Proctor

Con: C.J. Currie

Pen: C.J. Currie (2)
Tries: A.R. Sutherland (3) Con: K.G. Sutherland
Athletic Park, Wellington
Referee: R. C. Francis (Wairarapa Bush)
25 September 1976
Hawke's Bay 6–19 Counties
Pen: R.K. Whinham (2)Tries: H.P. Milner (2), Patrick Yates, O.T. Burnside Drop: R.N. Lendrum
McLean Park, Napier
Referee: P. A. McDavitt (Wellington)

Division 2 (North Island)

Standings

PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFPts
1 Taranaki 880020949+1602816
2 Wanganui 870121687+1293114
3 King Country 8413110144−3499
4 Poverty Bay 840492115−23118
5 Waikato 840417376+97288
6 Wairarapa Bush 840498107−9138
7 East Coast 820641214−17364
8 Thames Valley 811670128−5863
9 Horowhenua 810794183−89152

Results

May

8 May 1976
Horowhenua 11–12 East Coast
Tries: M.D. Nutting, L.R. Robinson Pen: L.R. RobinsonPen: V.J. Takarangi (4)
Park Domain Oval, Levin
Referee: C. J. Pedley (Wanganui)

June

7 June 1976
Wanganui 12–32 Taranaki
Tries: R.B. Dallison

Con: R.B. Barrell

Pen: R.B. Barrell (2)
Tries: A.I. Scown (2), J. O'Sullivan, R.P. Wharehoka, Herbie Kowhai

Con: Paul Martin (2), S.C. Davidson

Drop: Paul Martin, I.J. Snook
Spriggens Park, Wanganui
Referee: N. C. Thomas (Manawatu)
16 June 1976
Waikato 23–3 Thames Valley
Tries: P.C. Gilbert (2), A.L. Clark, R.G. Myers

Con: A.W. Baker (2)

Pen: A.W. Baker
Pen: W.G. Bax
Rugby Park, Hamilton
Referee: H. K. Innes (North Auckland)
19 June 1976
Wanganui 45–4 Horowhenua
Tries: A.B. Middleton (2), R.B. Barrell (2), F.W. Hill, R.B. Dallison, R.R.W. Manson

Con: R.B. Barrell (4)

Pen: R.B. Barrell (3)
Tries: M.G. Brodie
Spriggins Park, Wanganui
Referee: K. H. Lawrence (Bay of Plenty)
26 June 1976
Thames Valley 4–12 East Coast
Tries: D.O. StrangeTries: T.M. Keelan, W. Truman, J. McClutchie
Rugby Park, Waihi
Referee: G. R. Urbahn (North Auckland)

July

3 July 1976
East Coast 0–22 Poverty Bay
Tries: G.R. Newlands

Pen: G.B. Ross (5)

Drop: G.B Ross
Uawa Domain, Tolaga Bay
Referee: L. R. Woodgate (Bay of Plenty)
14 July 1976
Thames Valley 9–9 King Country
Pen: W.G. Bax (3)Try: M.R. Kidd

Con: J.R. Barr

Pen: J.R. Barr
Sports Domain, Te Aroha
Referee: I. A. Burrell (Bay of Plenty)
24 July 1976
Wanganui 28–9 King Country
Tries: R.J. Murray, R.B. Dallison, P.A. Bailey, R.B. Stafford, A.B. Middleton Con: R.B. Barrell (4)Pen: J.R. Barr (3)
Spriggens Park, Wanganui
Referee: C. Anderson (Nelson Bays)
28 July 1976
King Country 6–3 Wairarapa Bush
Tries: P. Bowen Con: J.R. BarrPen: N.F. Kjestrup
The Domain, Taumarunui
Referee: G. Klatt (Counties)
31 July 1976
Waikato 7–8 Wairarapa Bush
Tries: K.M. Greene Pen: A.W. BakerTries: K.W. Carter (2)
Rugby Park, Hamilton
Referee: B. Marsh (Hawke's Bay)

August

7 August 1976
Horowhenua 11–16 Thames Valley
Tries: M.D. Nutting, M.G. Brodie Pen: M.G. BrodieTries: Pita Cherrington, D.O. Strange

Con: K.D. Moloney

Pen: K.D. Moloney (2)
Park Domain Oval, Levin
Referee: I. W. Diprose (Buller)
10 August 1976
Wairarapa Bush 20–11 Thames Valley
Tries: A.J. O'Neill

Con: N.F. Kjestrup

Pen: N.F. Kjestrup (2)
Tries: D.O. Strange, D.G. McMillan Pen: A.H. Fisher
Memorial Park, Masterton
Referee: A. Bailey (Wellington)
12 August 1976
Poverty Bay 13–6 Thames Valley
Tries: G.B. Ross, M. Whitehead

Con: G.B. Ross

Pen: G.B. Ross
Pen: K.D. Moloney (2)
Rugby Park, Gisborne
Referee: L. Watkins (Hawke's Bay)
14 August 1976
Wairarapa Bush 18–4 East Coast
Tries: A.J. O'Neill, R.E. Robertson

Con: N.F. Kjestrup (2)

Pen: N.F. Kjestrup (2)
Tries: R.N. Falcon
Rugby Park, Pahiatua
Referee: W. J. Bringans (Wellington)
14 August 1976
Taranaki 16–6 King Country
Tries: J. O'Sullivan, G.N.K. Mourie

Con: S.C. Davidson

Pen: S.C. Davidson (2)
Tries: M.R. Kidd Con: N.W. Pye
Rugby Park, New Plymouth
Referee: N. C. Thomas (Manawatu)
17 August 1976
Thames Valley 12–20 Wanganui
Pen: W.G. Bax (4)Tries: R.R.W. Manson, R.B. Dallison, V.B. Patrick

Con: R.B. Barrell

Pen: R.B. Barrell (2)
The Domain, Paeroa
Referee: E. G. Pennell (Auckland)
18 August 1976
King Country 9–8 Poverty Bay
Tries: D.M. Flavell

Con: N.W. Pye

Drop: M.D. Fluker
Tries: P.J. Duncan, G.W. Allen
Island Reserve, Ōtorohanga
Referee: L. R. Woodgate (Bay of Plenty)
19 August 1976
East Coast 3–54 Wanganui
Pen: H.T. RobertsTries: R.J. Murray (3), V.B. Patrick (2), Douglas Patchett, R.R.W. Manson, J.E. Knofflock, penalty try

Con: R.B. Barrell (6)

Pen: R.B. Barrell (2)
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria
Referee: K. H. Lynch (Poverty Bay)
21 August 1976
Poverty Bay 7–17 Wanganui
Tries: R.A. Newlands Pen: John WhittleTries: J.E. Knofflock, Douglas Patchett

Pen: R.B. Barrell (2)

Drop: L.W. Stowell
Rugby Park, Gisborne
Referee: P. A. Arthur (Auckland)
21 August 1976
King Country 13–47 Waikato
Tries: M.R. Kidd, J.W. Tarrant

Con: J.R. Barr

Pen: J.R. Barr
Tries: R.B. Litt (2), K.J. Magill, M.B. Taylor, A.L. Clark, R.G. Myers, P.C. Gilbert

Con: A.W. Baker (5)

Pen: A.W. Baker (3)
The Domain, Taumarunui
Referee: H. L. Miller (Counties)
21 August 1976
Taranaki 6–3 Horowhenua
Pen: S.C. Davidson (2)Pen: M.G. Brodie
Rugby Park, New Plymouth
Referee: C. Aitken (Nelson Bays)
26 August 1976
East Coast 0–41 Taranaki
Tries: S.B. Brophy, D.G. Avison, R.B. McEldowney, I.M. Eliason, J. O'Sullivan, A.I. Scown

Con: D.G. Avison (4)

Pen: D.G. Avison (3)
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria
Referee: G. Way (Thames Valley)
28 August 1976
Poverty Bay 6–43 Taranaki
Pen: G.B. Ross (2)Tries: R.J. Fraser (2), S.B. Brophy (2), R.P. Wharehoka

Con: D.G. Avison
Pen: D.G. Avison (3)

Drop: I.R. Snook (4)
Rugby Park, Gisborne
Referee: I. Burrell (Bay of Plenty)
28 August 1976
Horowhenua 12–23 Wairarapa Bush
Tries: R.C. Pulowski, M.G. Brodie Con: M.G. Brodie (2)Tries: Michael Barnes (2), B.J. McConnochie, B.B. Patrick

Con: N.F. Kjestrup (2)

Pen: N.F. Kjestrup
Park Domain Oval, Levin
Referee: L. D. Daines (Marlborough)
28 August 1976
Wanganui 21–7 Waikato
Tries: R.R.W. Manson, G.D. Mitchinson

Con: R.B. Barrell (2)

Pen: R.B. Barrell (3)
Tries: Michael Deane Pen: A.W. Baker
Spriggins Park, Wanganui
Referee: T. F. Doocey (Canterbury)

September

4 September 1976
Poverty Bay 15–14 Waikato
Tries: Nigel Shanks, S.J. Spence

Con: John Whittle (2)

Pen: John Whittle
Tries: C. Ormsby, R.G. Myers Drop: B. Taylor (2)
Rugby Park, Gisborne
Referee: N. B. Whittaker (Manawatu)
4 September 1976
Taranaki 42–10 Wairarapa Bush
Tries: S.B. Brophy (2), J. O'Sullivan (2), G.N.K. Mourie, D.S. Loveridge, I.M. Eliason

Con: D.G. Avison (4)
Pen: D.G. Avison

Drop: Paul Martin
Tries: N.P. Sargent Pen: N.F. Kjestrup (2)
Rugby Park, New Plymouth
Referee: C. J. Pedley (Wairarapa Bush)
7 September 1976
East Coast 0–39 Waikato
Tries: M.B. Taylor (2), R.B. Litt (2), K.J. Magill, P.C. Gilbert, G.L. Irwin, D.R. McGlashan

Con: A.W. Baker (2)

Pen: A.W. Baker
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria
Referee: V. Thurston (Hawke's Bay)
8 September 1976
King Country 29–23 Horowhenua
Tries: M.R. Kidd (3), Graham Potaka, N.W. Pye, D.M. Flavell

Con: M.J. Lang (3)

Pen: M.J. Lang
Tries: P.L. Martin (2), M.D. Nutting, J.W. Luoni

Con: M.G. Brodie (2)

Pen: M.G. Brodie
Rugby Park, Te Kūiti
Referee: C. W. Alford (King Country)
11 September 1976
Waikato 33–7 Horowhenua
Tries: C. Ormsby (2), K.M. Greene (2), J.W. O'Rourke

Con: R.B. Litt (2)

Pen: R.B. Litt (3)
Tries: M.D. Nutting Pen: M.G. Brodie
Rugby Park, Hamilton
Referee: P. R. Harpur (King Country)
11 September 1976
Wairarapa Bush 3–6 Poverty Bay
Pen: N.F. KjestrupTries: G.R. Newlands Con: John Whittle
Memorial Park, Masterton
Referee: J. G. O. Stubbs (King Country)
15 September 1976
Horowhenua 23–15 Poverty Bay
Tries: M.D. Nutting (3), G.H. Hobson

Con: M.G. Brodie (2)

Pen: M.G. Brodie
Tries: G.W. Thompson, B.H. Sherriff

Con: G.B. Ross (2)

Pen: G.B. Ross
Park Domain Oval, Levin
Referee: J. Luckin (Taranaki)
16 September 1976
Thames Valley 9–20 Taranaki
Tries: Huia Martin

Con: W.G. Bax

Pen: W.G. Bax (3)
Tries: D.S. Loveridge, J. O'Sullivan

Pen: D.G. Avison (3)

Drop: I.R. Snook
Rugby Park, Waihi
Referee: K. H. Lawrence (Bay of Plenty)
18 September 1976
Wairarapa Bush 13–19 Wanganui
Tries: B.B. Patrick Pen: N.F. Kjestrup (3)Tries: R.B. Barrell, R.J. Murray

Con: R.B. Barrell

Pen: R.B. Barrell (3)
Memorial Park, Masterton
Referee: L. Auckram (Horowhenua)
18 September 1976
Waikato 3–9 Taranaki
Pen: A.W. BakerTries: G.N.K. Mourie

Con: D.G. Avison

Pen: Paul Martin
Rugby Park, Hamilton
Referee: R. J. Watson (North Auckland)
18 September 1976
King Country 25–10 East Coast
Tries: B.W. Donovan (2), M.R. Kidd, R.J. Takiari

Con: M.J. Lang (3)

Pen: I.A. McDonald
Tries: J. Morice, H. Reedy Con: H.T. Roberts
Island Reserve, Ōtorohanga
Referee: L. R. Woodgate (Bay of Plenty)

Division 2 (South Island)

Standings

PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTFPts
1 South Canterbury 540110339+64148
2 Buller 53026440+2496
3 Nelson Bays 53027277−5116
4 Mid Canterbury 52125055−565
5 West Coast 51135963−463
6 North Otago 510441115−7462

Results

June

7 June 1976
Buller 9–14 Nelson Bays
Tries: C.F. Cochrane

Con: G.W. Hart

Pen: G.W. Hart
Tries: S.W. Robertson, P.A. Burgess, R. Neighbours Con: M. Hodgson
Victoria Square, Westport
Referee: J. G. MacDonald (North Otago)

July

17 July 1976
Nelson Bays 17–14 Mid Canterbury
Tries: C.C. Haigh (2) Pen: W.B. Lucre (3)Tries: Peter MacGregor, M.H.L. Tapley Pen: M.H.L. Tapley (2)
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Referee: L. Auckram (Horowhenua)
21 July 1976
Buller 6–7 Mid Canterbury
Pen: G.W. Hart (2)Tries: M.H.L. Tapley Pen: M.H.L. Tapley
Victoria Square, Westport
Referee: T. K. Armstrong (Canterbury)
24 July 1976
West Coast 9–9 Mid Canterbury
Tries: G.J. Cook

Con: R.F. Nelson

Pen: R.F. Nelson
Pen: M.H.L. Tapley
Cass Square, Hokitika
Referee: P. R. Harpur (King Country)
31 July 1976
West Coast 6–16 Buller
Pen: R.F. NelsonTries: C.A. Fussell, P.G. Alexander

Con: G.W. Hart

Pen: G.W. Hart (2)
Rugby Park, Greymouth
Referee: G. Way (Thames Valley)

August

7 August 1976
Nelson Bays 24–3 North Otago
Tries: S.W. Robertson, W.B. Lucre, C.C. Haigh, G. Organ

Con: W.B. Lucre

Pen: W.B. Lucre (2)
Pen: P.R. Whyte
Rugby Park, Motueka
Referee: R. A. Brown (Wairarapa Bush)
14 August 1976
Mid Canterbury 17–13 North Otago
Tries: A.J. Grieve (2), M.H.L. Tapley

Con: M.H.L. Tapley

Pen: M.H.L. Tapley
Tries: R.J. May, P.R. Whyte

Con: P.R. Whyte

Pen: P.R. Whyte
Showgrounds, Ashburton
Referee: L. M. Craven (Marlborough)
14 August 1976
South Canterbury 15–9 West Coast
Tries: R.S. Heron

Con: D.A. Nicol

Pen: D.A. Nicol (3)
Tries: C.R. Skates

Con: R.F. Nelson

Pen: R.F. Nelson
Fraser Park, Timaru
Referee: K. McLoughlin (Otago)
17 August 1976
North Otago 16–7 West Coast
Tries: P. Johnson, P.R. Whyte, W.J. Cooper Con: P.R. Whyte (2)Tries: B.G. Davidson Pen: R.F. Nelson
Centennial Park, Oamaru
Referee: M. Jarvis (Southland)
21 August 1976
Buller 14–7 South Canterbury
Tries: A.M. Mundy (2), J.R. Dickson Con: G.W. HartTries: R.S. Heron Pen: D.A. Nicol
Victoria Square, Westport
Referee: R. C. Francis (Wairarapa Bush)
24 August 1976
Nelson Bays 10–23 South Canterbury
Tries: G.J. Lummis Pen: W.B. Lucre (2)Tries: P.J. Grant, R.S. Heron, A.M. McLaren

Con: D.A. Nicol

Pen: D.A. Nicol (3)
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Referee: B. G. Whale (Wairarapa Bush)

September

4 September 1976
Mid Canterbury 3–10 South Canterbury
Pen: M.H.L. TapleyTries: R.S. Heron

Pen: D.A. Nicol

Drop: A.M. Goddard
Showgrounds, Ashburton
Referee: A. Creighton (Otago)
4 September 1976
Nelson Bays 7–28 West Coast
Tries: C.C. Haigh Pen: W.B. LucreTries: G.J. Cook (2), J.A. Steffan

Con: R.F. Nelson (2)
Pen: R.F. Nelson (2)

Drop: R.F. Nelson, G.J. Cook
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Referee: A. W. Lilley (Mid Canterbury)
11 September 1976
South Canterbury 48–3 North Otago
Tries: R.S. Heron (2), G.D. Hannan (2), I.D. Palmer, A.M. McLaren, N.F. Richards, Paul Hewitson

Con: D.A. Nicol (5)

Pen: D.A. Nicol (2)
Pen: P.R. Whyte
Fraser Park, Timaru
Referee: M. Jarvis (Southland)
18 September 1976
North Otago 6–19 Buller
Tries: Richard McNamara Con: B. SimpsonTries: A.M. Mundy (2), L.W. Kearns

Con: T.G. Aldridge

Pen: T.G. Aldridge (2)
Centennial Park, Oamaru
Referee: A. Gormack (Southland)

Promotion/relegation matches

As North Auckland came last in Division 1, the unbeaten winners of Division 2 (North Island), Taranaki, were promoted to Division 1 to replace them.

South Canterbury won Division 2 (South Island), giving them a promotion play-off against Southland; they lost the game 24–11 remained in Division 2.

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References