Rugby: Compensation for Tongan pair

By JOHN GASPARICH

The disappointment of Tonga's big loss to the All Blacks was partially softened for midfield back Sam Alatini and hooker Latiume Maka when they played key roles in Kumeu's 54-5 romp against Helensville in North Harbour club rugby.

With coach Phil Ridland back in charge of a full squad, Kumeu ran the ball from anywhere and nine tries were a handsome reward.

First five-eighths Tony Alatini, back from injury, was in impressive form, while Fiji wing Simon Randroka picked up three tries and Sam Alatini another.

And Maka, who had fronted against the All Blacks front row in the second half on Friday, still had the energy to land three conversions.

Thirteen senior Takapuna players were involved in two North Harbour representative sides mid-week, but that did not prove a problem for Takapuna coach Paul Feeney. Changes were made but it was business as usual as the championship leaders scored six tries in beating Helensville 41-22.

Takapuna and Kumeu are now assured of making the playoffs. Marist showed little mercy in rolling Northcote 22-3, and with 45 competition points are likely to take third place, leaving a scramble between Glenfield (38), Silverdale (36) and North Shore (35) for the final two spots.

Glenfield were the big winners, shutting out Silverdale 41-29 with inspired work from the pack. Walter Little showed he is still a master on attack, scoring one try. Brother Lawrence scored another and, further out, Paul Turner picked up three.

North Shore's climb back to the top was cut short by a 15-22 loss to East Coast Bays, while Mahurangi continued their late run with a 20-3 win over Navy.