Rugby: Alatini inspiration for Kumeu victory

By JOHN GASPARICH

Tony Alatini, in his element playing either five-eighths or halfback, was the inspiration behind Kumeu beating Silverdale 40-29 in a North Harbour club rugby match.

The loss means Silverdale drop outside the top five for the championship playoffs.

In the first spell, Alatini directed the Kumeu attack from first five-eighths. Play seesawed and Kumeu were lucky to lead 17-12 at halftime.

Switched to halfback for the second half, Alatini dictated terms, either keeping the ball ahead of the pack or, as the defence was drawn in, giving the outside backs a trot.

Kumeu's 23 points - scored in the face of the wind in the second half - were testament to a good win.

The long-awaited Takapuna-Marist clash went off like a damp squib. Takapuna coach Paul Feeney was the first to concede that the six-tries-to-one 38-7 win was achieved against a Marist side weakened by injury.

Glenfield beat Mahurangi 39-22 to retain fourth spot in the playoffs.

Midfield pair Warren Hughes and Aisea Tuilevu both scored tries, as did wings Adrian Ferris (2) and Baden Woodman.

North Shore beat Massey 32-20 to get into the playoff zone, but face Takapuna on Saturday.

East Coast Bays continued a late-season charge, beating Northcote 30-14, and Helensville beat Navy 39-11