Reality bites for barren Massey

North Harbour

Helensville caused a boilover with a 10-3 upset win over the 2004-05 champions Massey in North Harbour club rugby yesterday.

Many of the 'big' clubs will be affected by the loss of Air New Zealand Cup players later this year but Massey's defeat, which could have been heavier, was a harsh reminder of the difficulties they could face this season without many of the key players of last year.

Especially missed yesterday were veteran locks Malua Tipi and Steve Jackson, both of whom retired. Massey took a severe battering in the forward set pieces.

Northcote were another impressive winner yesterday, striking in the final few minutes with a superbly executed rolling maul to edge out old rivals, North Shore, 27-21. Shore led 21-20 going into the last quarter.

One of Northcote's heroes was Richard Mayhew, who last season suffered a serious neck injury, which threatened to end his career. He returned for the first time yesterday and, playing at lock and flanker, had a big part in Northcote's win.

Mayhew contributed 17 points, including a crucial try from an interception which helped peg back Shore's 18-10 halftime lead.

Though each side made plenty of errors it was an entertaining match in which the lead chopped and changed several times.

Takapuna trailed Mahurangi 6-0 at halftime and only finished on top with two late tries. Glenfield just beat Kumeu 33-30 but only after Kumeu showed enough to suggest they will be a big improver from last season.

Marist gained their first win of the season by outscoring East Coast Bays four tries to none in winning 29-12, leaving Takapuna and Northcote as the only unbeaten sides after just two rounds.

Counties Manukau 

In front of a big crowd, Waiuku provided the perfect tonic for those who gathered to celebrate the club's 50th jubilee with an 18-15 win over Patumahoe.

The visitors, bristling with representative players, dominated set pieces, territory and possession, but didn't take full advantage.

Tries to centre Seta Fehoko and Hancy, with a conversion and penalty to Brian Arthur, gave Patumahoea 15-0 halftime lead. In the second half, Waiuku instantly used the wind to put Patumahoe under pressure. Young first-five Steven Kennedy scored close to the posts but the conversion was missed.

Two penalties to centre Joe Kata and Kennedy put Waiuku on the front foot, before a great 50m try to Kata from a turnover. Kennedy converted from wide to have the local crowd in full voice at 18-15.

Patumahoe tried to apply pressure in the final 10 minutes but the Waiuku defence held them out. Patumahoe made too many errors in both halves to deserve the win. They squandered chances in the first half despite outstanding work from Steelers lock Andrew Van der Hiejden and, other than livewire Hancy, their backs lacked attacking options and the forwards lost control as the pressure increased.

Waiuku, like last week, kept themselves in the game through solid tight forwards Grant Henson, Matty Enoka and, in particular, lock John Kennedy. Their loose forwards, led by No 8 Maka Tatafu, never stopped competing. In Pool A, Pukekohe strode past Bombay 45-19, Manurewa clobbered Drury 94-0 and Karaka beat Onewhero 58-7. In Pool B, Ardmore Marist beat Weymouth 32-14.

Auckland

Last season's Gallaher Shield finalists Ponsonby and Waitakere City are already stamping their authority on this year's Auckland premier one competition. Ponsonby thumped East Tamaki 94-5, running in 14 tries at Western Springs Stadium. Waitakere City was almost as impressive, beating Roskill Districts 39-7.

Roskill Districts upset Otahuhu last weekend but never looked a danger against Waitakere City as the West Aucklanders dominated the first half, leading 24-0 at the break and scoring five tries while conceding just the one.

Ponsonby and Waitakere City have each earned a bonus point in their first two outings this season and are already two points clear of third placed Grammar Carlton, the only other team with two wins.

First five-eighths Brett Williams was again the Ponies' main points contributor with two tries and seven conversions. In just two matches, Williams has compiled 47 points, his 24 yesterday coming on the back of 23 (three tries and four conversions) against Pakuranga last week.

Pakuranga showed glimpses of class against Ponsonby last week and looked likely to upset Grammar Carlton at Cornwall Park yesterday. Pakuranga led 14-0 at halftime through a try to flanker Steve Kitchener and three Jono Steele penalties. But it was all one-way traffic in the second half as the Grammar Carlton machine moved up a gear scoring three tries, all converted for a 21-14 victory.

The Helleur brothers, Jamie and Brenton, proved match-winners for University in its clash with Te Papapa Onehunga at Fergusson Park. Halfback Brenton dashed over for two tries while adding a conversion and midfield back Jamie, a Blues squad member, crossed for a try and connected on two conversions and a penalty. Between them they were responsible for 24 of University's 34 points as University won 34-9.

Marist's early season troubles continued in the curtain-raiser to the Blues-Stormers Super 14 game, when a rampant Otahuhu ran in seven tries to beat them 54-18.

-HERALD ON SUNDAY