Hungry Ponies enjoy dining out on Oats

Club rugby round-up

Auckland

Otahuhu was the only team to beat Ponsonby in last year's Auckland premier one rugby competition - but the Ponies weren't about to let Otahuhu in for another upset yesterday.

The 2006 first round competition leader outclassed 'Oats', scoring six tries in a comprehensive 46-14 win.

It was only late in the match, played at Cox's Bay Reserve, that Otahuhu breached the Ponsonby defence as No 8 Toa Uta'atu crossed for a try in the corner.

First five-eighths Brett Williams was again the linchpin of this well-drilled Ponsonby side. He invariably chose the right option and, early in the second half, took on the Otahuhu defence with a darting run, beating two would-be tacklers with a neat sidestep to score between the posts. He also kicked four conversions and two penalties to total 19 points.

Grammar Carlton is the only other unbeaten side after four matches. Yesterday they were untroubled in beating Roskill Districts 42-17 on Roskill's home ground at Fearon Park and now trail Ponsonby by one point on the first round table, with Waitakere City two points behind in third.

Narrowly beaten by Ponsonby last week, Waitakere travelled across the city to Pakuranga and had no problems disposing of the home side 40-3.

Marist's dismal season continued, hammered 44-3 at their Liston Park home by University.

East Tamaki caused the day's only upset when they won their first game of the season, beating Te Papapa Onehunga 32-19.

In premier two, Waitemata and Suburbs remain on track to make it back into premier one this season. Both former premier one clubs remain unbeaten after comfortable wins yesterday, Waitemata defeating Papatoetoe 53-24 and Suburbs getting the better of College Rifles 20-6.

North Harbour

 Duncan Ross, son of former top North Harbour referee Dick, had a notable Harbour premier club rugby debut yesterday, scoring a hat-trick of tries as Helensville comfortably overcame a useful Marist side 29-15.

As well as the three tries scored by Ross on the wing, lock B Thomas scored with a spectacular try and dummy reminiscent of the famous Wilson Whineray try for the 1964 All Blacks against the Barbarians.

The win was Helensville's second of the season and places them top of their section.

Defending champions Massey continued their dismal start to the season with another loss yesterday, 20-5 to Silverdale.

In the other section, Takapuna remain the only unbeaten side with a 41-10 thrashing of Northcote. The margin surprised Takapuna coach Blair Larsen, who had been expecting an even contest.

But Takapuna outplayed Northcote in all aspects, with Jon Elrick in commanding form at first five-eighths, contributing 16 points with a potent boot.

Playing with a stiff wind first, Takapuna ran in three converted tries to lead 21-0 at the break and then punished Northcote's many errors and turnovers with two splendid counter-attacking tries in the second spell.

Northcote never looked like cracking Takapuna's sound defence and their only try, by hooker Joe Leao, was doubtful, having been preceded by what many felt was an obvious knock-on in a ruck.

North Shore, with Willie Walker returning to the backline, bounced back from their second-round loss to Northcote by decisively beating Kumeu 27-3, while Glenfield won a lively match against Mahurangi 31-23.

Harbour's competition continues today, with the key match the battle for the Country Cup between holders Helensville and host team Silverdale.

Counties Manukau

Patumahoe hosted neighbours and last year's semifinal opponents Karaka, with the visitors coming out on top 19-6 yesterday.

The forwards were evenly matched, with Karaka tighthead prop Sam Atoa having a storming game around the park. Openside Horse Tuatoa continued his good form.

Hooker Elizah Maafi and Steelers lock Andrew Van der Heijden were the pick of the Patumahoe pack and worked well in the lineouts.

Karaka opened the scoring with nippy winger Sione Fangawaka slicing through after good lead-up work.

Troy Nathan, whose first half open field kicking was often a little wayward, converted into a slight breeze.

A try to captain and No 8 Nick Connal - his first for the club in more than 50 games - had Karaka looking like they would dominate the game.

John Penberthy nailed a drop goal and Pugsy Arthur a penalty for Patumahoe to keep them in touch.

However, the classy Karaka backs controlled play in the second half, with Nathan ripping off some long and accurate kicks and Tongan sevens captain Tevita Tuifua showing his class in attack and defence, culminating in a try which took the game out of the home side's reach.

In other premier one championship games, Ardmore Marist edged out Pukekohe 18-16, while Manurewa defeated Waiuku 36-0.