Rugby: Ponsonby win ends Grammar's unbeaten run

Photo / Paul Estcourt

A fine defensive performance was the catalyst for Ponsonby triumphing over previously unbeaten Grammar Carlton at Western Springs yesterday.

The final score of 30-21 was flattering to Grammar Carlton, who scored two late tries after finally putting some phases together and decisive running from the Lam cousins, Michigan and Ben.

Ponsonby move up to second place with the win dedicated to fullback Chay Raui in his 100th game. Tighthead prop Mac Pooi, lock Sefo Pasino and flanker Taylor Mosen scored Ponsonby's tries to open up a 30-9 lead after 45 minutes.

Makeshift first-five Rocky Khan controlled play efficiently and kicked for goal well, but the win was set up by Ponsonby's massive defence. Hooker Joe Royal was dynamic around the park while Pasino and Ben Bacon controlled the lineouts.

University remain on top after an eight-try 50-13 romp over Otahuhu, while Pakuranga overcame Marist 19-18 in a thriller to move into the top four.

Papatoetoe are fifth after walloping Teachers Eastern by 93-7, Suburbs beat East Tamaki 32-8, and Eden sneaked past bottom placed Manukau Rovers 20-18. College Rifles beat Waitakere City 26-19 while Te Papapa-Mt Wellington upset Waitemata 41-31 for their first win of the season. - Peter White

NORTH HARBOUR

Western Pioneers' brief reign at the top of the North Harbour premier rugby ladder ended yesterday when they were toppled by their close neighbours, Massey, in an intense battle.

Expertly guided at halfback by Blues Super 15 squad member, Chris Smylie, Massey ground out a 21-16 win.

Both Western tryscorers, Ray Alo and Philip Tuigamala, were with Massey originally, as was the goalkicking first five-eighths Regan Oxenham, though he was astray yesterday, missing one conversion from in front.

There was plenty of drama in another of yesterday's key clashes between close neighbours, Takapuna and Northcote. An evenly contested match looked to be headed for a draw when Northcote's Matt Clark kicked a late penalty. But from the kickoff with barely a minute left, Takapuna cleverly set up their champion goalkicker Jon Elrick for a drop goal, which he landed from nearly 40 metres for a 22-19 win.

Western's loss means that North Shore now top the ladder, just two ahead of Western and Silverdale. Shore overwhelmed Marist 51-15.

Northcote, last year's champions, fell back to sixth place in what is proving a cut-throat competition among the top six sides. Silverdale crushed Glenfield 61-5, while East Coast Bays, helped by a hat-trick of tries by flanker Zac Judge, enjoyed a 55-0 win over Mahurangi.