Flanker No 23 helps guide Massey to second title win

Massey may be looking at retiring permanently the number six jersey after the side climaxed a wonderful season by winning North Harbour's premier rugby competition, beating Takapuna 29-14 in yesterday's final.

Flanker Phil Jones, wearing 23, enjoyed a starring role, scoring two tries. Jones wore that number after Massey decided not to field a No 6 following the loss of two players who had been wearing that jersey with broken legs - Viliame Maafu and Francis Stowers.

Normally an openside flanker in Massey's reserves for most of the season, Jones yesterday made light of any jinx and helped his side dominate the second spell.

Trailing just 11-10 at halftime, Massey took control of the game inside the first 10 minutes of the second half when Jones got his first try, followed soon after by wing Junior Taloto crossing. Two sideline conversions by fullback Andrew Whiteman took Massey to a 24-11 lead which Takapuna never looked like pegging back.

Massey's edge came from the experience of Steve Jackson, Malua Tipi and Roger Dustow in the pack and the brilliance of Junior Poluleuligaga, Tusi Pisi and especially Anthony Tuitavake in the backs.

Overall they had just a little too much flair for Takapuna, though it was a worthy effort by the latter to lead at halftime with halfback Greg Marshall and centre Chad Campbell having surprising success in the Massey backs.

Marshall created Takapuna's only try when he counter-attacked from a turnover near his own line and put second five-eighths Marc Camburn over. Earlier Jon Elrick with two penalties had given Takapuna a 6-0 lead.

But Takapuna did not have too much luck with the refereeing of Greg Watson. They conceded a first spell try to the dazzling Tuitavake when lock Marty Veale was in the sin bin and Jones' second try did appear to have been preceded by a big knock-on.

It was the second consecutive title for Massey and coach Graham Lowe said that meant a little bit of history had been created. He felt the win was fitting given that the season's statistics showed that Massey had been the most consistent side.

Auckland: Waitakere will meet Ponsonby in next Saturday's Gallaher Shield final after a thrilling 7-7 draw between Waitakere and University plunged the competition into confusion yesterday.

Ponies trounced Otahuhu 50-12 in one semifinal and will be hot favourites after scoring eight tries with Benson Stanley and Tevita Hufanga each scoring two.

But the real drama came in the other semi at University's home ground, Colin Maiden Park. University, playing with a strong wind advantage, scored the only points in the first half, a try to loose forward Pom Simona, converted by first five-eighths James Foote.

But Waitakere City, playing in only the club's second shield semifinal, closed to 7-7 midway through the second half after former Manu Samoa winger Ron Fanuatanu kicked ahead and won the race to the touchdown. First-five Ben Mailata landed the conversion.

With the match tied, extra time (10 minutes either way) was required but even then it was still drawn at 7-7. There was confusion as to how to decide the winner but after some consultation it went to the team which won the game when the two teams last met- Waitakere City.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY