Kerikeri win respect for courage

By GRAHAM REDDAWAY

Kerikeri soon dispelled any notions they were country bumpkins when they came to the west of Auckland to play a Blues club competition semifinal against Waitemata.

Waitemata won the match 19-11, but long before the end of the match, the fiercely parochial locals had warmed to their Bay of Islands visitors for their brave showing. Despite dreadful conditions it was entertaining rugby.

Kerikeri first five-eighths Quinton Butler, a grandson of great North Auckland and All Black centre J.B. Smith, scored his team's only try in the last minute.

Waitemata are now in the final against Ponsonby, who beat Suburbs 30-22. The match will be the curtain-raiser to the Blues' clash with the Bulls at Eden Park on April 19.

Ponsonby trailed 22-11 with 11 minutes to go in a match that doubled as a Gallaher Shield fixture. But two late tries by Willie Brame and Alfred Uluinayau gave the blue-and-blacks their victory.

University outclassed Papatoetoe 79-5 and remain unbeaten, as are Grammar Carlton, who overcame Marist 31-13, one of their tries being scored by Blues squad player Samiu Vahafolau.

Otahuhu scored three tries to two in beating Waitakere City 20-13.

College Rifles were the only premier two side to remain unbeaten with their 15-12 defeat of East Tamaki. Manukau surprised Eden 16-13, Tamaki beat Mt Wellington 21-8 and in a tryless match Roskill Districts beat Te Papapa Onehunga 9-3.