Wellington, Sept 5 NZPA - Mid Canterbury first five-eighth Kieran Lindsay calmly slotted an 82nd-minute dropped goal to give his side an unlikely 16-13 Heartland Championship rugby win over South Canterbury in Timaru today.

A minute earlier, wing Ewen Cameron looked to have salvaged a draw when he charged down Lindsay's first attempt. But Mid Canterbury were not to be denied, with Lindsay's drop goal also retaining them the Hanan Shield.

South Canterbury had a wealth of possession and territory in both halves, but good defence by their northern neighbours kept them in the game.

Mid Canterbury scored against the run of play midway through the first half, with a well-taken try to centre Robbie Flynn, who ran strongly down the touch line, dummying three times and leaving fullback Kayne Wahlstrom stranded in no-man's land.

Although Mid-Canterbury led 7-3 at halftime, South Canterbury quickly pinned back the deficit, with a try in the opening minute of second half from the kick-off.

Lock Tui Tauelangi ran strongly, beating several tacklers and fed replacement centre Patolo Tupuola, who flicked a pass to prop Timaru Tafa.

Tafa found captain Tristram Johnston on his shoulder and he dived over to snatch back the lead.

Both sides exchanged penalties and the draw looked inevitable until Lindsay's piece of magic.

Standouts for Mid Canterbury were lock Jon Dampney, who ensured his side had their share of the lineouts, and loose forward Daniel Bokser, while Lindsay controlled what ball they did have.

For South Canterbury lock, Tui Tauelangi ran hard, Scott McAuley impressed at number eight and Sekope Maea remains a breath of fresh air at halfback .

Mid Canterbury 16 (Robbie Flynn try; Kieran Lindsay 2 pen, con, dropped goal) South Canterbury 13 (Tristram Johnston try; Kayne Wahlstrom 2 pen, con).