Rugby: Three clubs remain unbeaten after four rounds

AUCKLAND

University, Pakuranga and Grammar Carlton remain unbeaten after round four of the Alan McEvoy Trophy played yesterday.

At Marist's new Mt Wellington home, Grammar Carlton played the more composed rugby and defended stoutly to win 16-8, after a scoreless second half.

Marist got off to the perfect start playing into a stiff breeze when Kolo Mahe scored after backing up a sharp break by right wing Leon Patelesio.

Doug Sanft kicked three penalties to give Grammar Carlton a 9-5 lead.

Piers Francis reduced the gap to 9-8 before 2010 Manawatu centre Hadleigh Parkes showed his class with a classic centre's break to put leading try scorer George Moala in under the bar.

Marist had one last crack when New Zealand Under-20 centre Francis Saili sprinted 60m but he was cut down by a scything tackle from Ben Lam.

Ponsonby accounted for Otahuhu 48-29 in a 13-try romp, Pakuranga beat College Rifles 27-17, Suburbs got up over Te Papa-Mt Wellington 30-22, and Eden pipped East Tamaki 22-19. University beat Waitemata 57-15, Teachers Eastern beat Waitakere 31-24, while Papatoetoe beat Manukau Rovers 45-11.

- Peter White

NORTH HARBOUR

Western Pioneers continued their dream debut in North Harbour premier club rugby yesterday with a dramatic 28-24 away win over Takapuna.

Western snatched the victory in the last minute when down 21-24, backs and forwards combined in a thrilling counter attack which started on their own goal-line and swept the field for prop Viliami Tai Vaea to score under the posts.

Though full of errors, the game kept spectators absorbed as the lead constantly changed. But in the final quarter Takapuna seemed to have gained control.

Western were always a danger, with wing David Raikuna scoring a brilliant solo try in the first spell.

Takapuna were without first five-eighths and ace goal-kicker Jon Elrick, but in fullback Marty Banks had an able replacement and he contributed 19 of the side's points.

Western's win moves them to within one point on the championship ladder behind Silverdale, who moved to the top with a 29-23 win over North Shore.

Northcote produced a 58-3 hammering of Mahurangi and Massey moved to second equal with a 53-22 win over Glenfield.

East Coast Bays gained their first win of the season, 20-13 over Marist, to leave Mahurangi on their own as the bottom side and the only one without a win so far.

- Lindsay Knight