1976 National Provincial Championship

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.

Division 1

Standings

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	Pts
1	Bay of Plenty	10	8	1	1	195	112	+83	25	17
2	Manawatu (RS)	10	7	1	1	142	104	+38	17	15
3	Auckland	10	6	1	3	160	133	+27	19	13
4	Canterbury	10	6	0	4	153	118	+35	20	12
5	Counties	10	6	0	4	118	107	+11	20	12
6	Wellington	10	5	1	4	165	122	+43	20	11
7	Otago	10	4	2	4	106	148	+42	11	10
8	Hawke's Bay	10	4	0	6	125	130	−5	18	8
9	Marlborough	10	3	0	7	146	192	−46	19	6
10	Southland	10	2	1	7	105	161	−56	13	5
11	North Auckland	10	0	1	9	76	164	−88	8	1

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 Yates		Tries: 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. Semenoff		Tries: 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 Yates		Tries: 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. Murphy		Tries: 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. Laurie		Tries: 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. Watt		Tries: 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, Whakatāne 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. Valli		Tries: 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. Laurie		Tries: 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. Laurie		Pen: 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. Wilson		Tries: 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

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	Pts
1	Taranaki	8	8	0	0	209	49	+160	28	16
2	Wanganui	8	7	0	1	216	87	+129	31	14
3	King Country	8	4	1	3	110	144	−34	9	9
4	Poverty Bay	8	4	0	4	92	115	−23	11	8
5	Waikato	8	4	0	4	173	76	+97	28	8
6	Wairarapa Bush	8	4	0	4	98	107	−9	13	8
7	East Coast	8	2	0	6	41	214	−173	6	4
8	Thames Valley	8	1	1	6	70	128	−58	6	3
9	Horowhenua	8	1	0	7	94	183	−89	15	2

Results

May

8 May 1976

Horowhenua	11–12	East Coast
Tries: M.D. Nutting, L.R. Robinson Pen: L.R. Robinson		Pen: 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. Strange		Tries: 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. Barr		Pen: 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. Baker		Tries: 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. Brodie		Tries: 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. Roberts		Tries: 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 Whittle		Tries: 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. Kjestrup		Tries: 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. Baker		Tries: 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

Pos	Team	Pld	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	Pts
1	South Canterbury	5	4	0	1	103	39	+64	14	8
2	Buller	5	3	0	2	64	40	+24	9	6
3	Nelson Bays	5	3	0	2	72	77	−5	11	6
4	Mid Canterbury	5	2	1	2	50	55	−5	6	5
5	West Coast	5	1	1	3	59	63	−4	6	3
6	North Otago	5	1	0	4	41	115	−74	6	2

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. Nelson		Tries: 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. Hart		Tries: 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. Tapley		Tries: 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. Lucre		Tries: 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. Simpson		Tries: 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.

References

• thesilverfern.co.nz