Rugby: Old Boys grab bonus points as playoffs near

Old Boys Marist are getting on top of their points differential early in the second round of the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier Competition after scoring a 70-17 win over Hikurangi.

With tight, almost upset-type, results in other premier matches, Old Boys Marist have one eye on the playoffs and potentially how important points differential could be as the top six teams close in on each other.

Old Boys Marist co-coach Paul Butturini explained his side is starting to make their wins count for more by grabbing bonus points in the run into playoffs, evident by outscoring their opponents 12-tries-to-three.

"We need to make the most of bonus points with these sorts of games," Butturini said of yesterday's match at Hikurangi. "But, we're still improving, improving nicely. [During yesterday's] game, the things we did at training came off.

"There were a couple of indifferent results [this round], and there's little difference between the top six. I don't think you can underestimate any of the teams in this competition.

"[For example, yesterday] we didn't start as we planned. We were down by five right at the start, but managed to pull it back."

Aiding Old Boys Marist's run into the playoffs is the return of Cam Eyre, playing at lock, and Scott Vessey to the forward pack, adding experience and power to the side.

Butturini noted the impact Troy Gilbert had in yesterday's romp of Hikurangi before adding that overall the team played well collectively.

Further south, Otamatea threw away the win as they drew 36-all with the Western Sharks, letting the Sharks in for a converted try with two minutes to play. Otamatea coach Paul Mant said it was gutting to do everything but win.

"Pretty disappointed to be brutally honest," Mant said.

"We were leading up to the last two minutes, where they scored and converted to get the draw and a bonus point.

"It was pleasing that we got three points and what-not, and didn't have a loss, but, we should be starting to come right [and get the results]."

Mant agreed with Butturini that this year's premier competition was tight and showed with teams results fluctuating from week-to-week.

He commended the efforts of 17-year-old winger Brad James who scored two tries along with a strong showing from blindside flanker Travis Larsen.