Club Rugby: Ponsonby go back to school and wreak their revenge on University

Auckland
Ponsonby rebounded from their shock loss to East Tamaki a week ago to beat University 27-13 at Western Springs Stadium. University were the only team to beat the Ponies in the first round championship but, in yesterday's wintry conditions, Ponsonby were always in control leading 11-0 at halftime and outscoring University four tries to two.

In yesterday's other top-of-the-table clash, Grammar Carlton edged Waitakere City 16-14 at Waitakere Stadium.

East Tamaki built on last week's win over the Ponies, beating Marist 19-13 at East Tamaki while recently-promoted Waitemata again indicated they will be a threat to the top sides with a come-from-behind 12-10 win over Otahuhu. Pakuranga outclassed the other promoted club, Suburbs, 33-7.

Grammar Carlton has taken the lead in the second round championship but it is tight at the top of the table with Ponsonby and Waitakere City in equal second one point back and University and Waitemata a further point in arrears.

North Harbour
Helensville lost their grip on the top of the table with a last-minute try to veteran back Jarrod Franhiem sealing a 13-9 victory for a Massey side chasing a third consecutive championship.

However, Massey and Helensville are still second equal on the table, trailing an impressive Marist who travelled up the road to beat East Coast Bays 17-7.

In a keenly contested match, North Shore managed a 21-18 win against a Takapuna side that failed to convert opportunities into points.

In another low-scoring affair, Northcote edged out Kumeu 8-3 at Riverhead while Silverdale managed a comfortable 32-10 win against Glenfield. Their four tries were even more impressive, considering the wet weather made running rugby almost impossible in all the other matches of the round.

Counties
Patumahoe will make their second consecutive finals appearance after beating Manurewa 23-10 in poor conditions at Patumahoe.

As in the other semifinal, the weather turned bitterly cold with constant rain and periods of heavy hail. This played into the hands of the impressive Patumahoe forward pack who dominated and laid on good ball for halfback Kane Hancy, who again was the star turn.

There was a 13-point differential at Bruce Pullman Park as well, where home side Ardmore Marist defeated defending champs Pukekohe 16-3. Pukekohe trailed just 6-3 at the break, but Ardmore Marist coach Darryl Williams made some influential changes for the second half with John Fonokalafi and Sione Sione joining the front row. This paid huge dividends with the balance of power shifting to the home team.