Carlton slump as Ponsonby cruise home

Grammar Carlton dug themselves into an even deeper hole in their quest to make the Gallaher Shield semifinals after losing 11-0 to University. Grammar Carlton finished second in the first round but the tide has turned in the second. They have slumped to sixth on the points table with three matches before the four-team Gallaher Shield playoffs.

Former All Black flanker Daniel Braid, back after appearing for the New Zealand Maori against the Lions, scored University's only try with centre Jamie Helleur landing two penalties.

Marist's winning run came to an abrupt end with a 39-0 drubbing from Ponsonby, who led 29-0 at halftime. Ponsonby scored six tries while centre Gavin Williams, back from a season in Italy, kicked three conversions and a penalty.

Ponsonby now lead the second round by two points from Otahuhu, who cruised to a 41-10 win over Papatoetoe. Orene Ai'i, playing his second game after returning from the New Zealand sevens team, scored three of Otahuhu's seven tries.

North Harbour

The absence of experienced goalkicker Terii Rahui because of work commitments in Australia proved costly for Northcote in yesterday's crucial premier club rugby match.

In the battle for top four positions, Northcote dropped back to fifth place on the competition table, behind runaway leaders Massey, Takapuna, Marist and East Coast Bays because of their 12-10 loss to Takapuna. Had Rahui been playing, Northcote would surely have won. They outscored Takapuna two tries to none, with rampaging No 8 Nick Williams impressive. But they failed with all shots at goal, including two from in front of the posts.

It was a day which placed a premium on accurate kicking in general play and from restarts but Northcote failed in this department as well, allowing Takapuna to escape with a precious four points. Takapuna were superbly served again by young Jon Elrick at first five-eighths, who landed three penalties and a drop goal.

Marist slipped into second place, a point ahead of Takapuna and East Coast Bays. Bays battled to a 14-9 win over Mahurangi, scoring the only try, but Marist, with four unconverted tries - two by representative hooker Joe Ward - gained maximum points with a 20-0 win over Kumeu.