Jason Merrett kicked five penalties as South Canterbury snuck home 15-13 over neighbours Mid Canterbury in a Heartland championship rugby match at Ashburton today.
The Meads Cup fixture doubled as a Hanan Shield challenge for the visitors, who ended Mid Canterbury's three-year reign after having Merrett to thank as they led 15-6 with 10 minutes remaining.
Mid Canterbury then finally got out of first gear and scored the only try of the match to Pete McAndrew, which Davey Maw converted with 2min remaining.
In a match ruled by the whistle, Mid Canterbury had the chance to snatch the lead but Ritchie Catherwood's 50m penalty attempt fell short.
Score: South Canterbury 15 (Jason Merrett 5 pen) Mid Canterbury 13 (Pete McAndrew try; Davey Maw pen, con, Ritchie Catherwood pen). Halftime: 6-3.
