Clive, Jonah & Otahuhu see upsets in premiers

A coaching session under Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward seemed to have a beneficial impact on previously battling Takapuna in North Harbour premier club matches yesterday.

Woodward, as a gesture to Takapuna - whose pitch at the Onewa Domain the tourists have taken over as their training headquarters - ran the side on Thursday night.

The response was a 44-33 win over arch-rivals, North Shore. The big improvement came in Takapuna's forward effort. However, each side scored four tries, with the difference proving to be the kicking boot of Takapuna first five-eighths Jon Elrick who, with three conversions, five penalties and a dropped goal, contributed 24 points.

Another famous figure, Jonah Lomu, watched as his new club, Massey, last year's champions, gained a 19-6 win over the first round winners, Northcote.

The win enabled Massey to take the Les Pearce Shield, played for on a Ranfurly Shield challenge basis.

They also maintained a big lead in the Buck Shelford Trophy series to decide the four semifinalists.

Massey were often under pressure but showed composure to capitalise on Northcote errors.

Marist stayed in contention for a top four spot by gaining maximum points from Glenfield with a 30-17 win - but with Marist hooker Joe Ward red-carded.

AUCKLAND

Otahuhu brought Ponsonby's unbeaten run this season to an abrupt halt when they beat the Ponies 26-25 at Western Springs Stadium. In a thrilling finale, last year's Auckland premier one champions looked to have scored a winning try only to be called back for a foot in touch.

Otahuhu have hit the front on the second-round points table and are now in good shape to qualify for the four team playoffs for the Gallaher Shield.

They also won the Fred Allen Challenge Cup, previously held by Ponsonby, with the match being played on the Ponies' home ground.

Waitakere City was the other big winner, beating University 16-14 at Waitakere Stadium.

Like the Otahuhu-Ponsonby game, this one was also close throughout with the two teams level at 3-3 at halftime.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY