KEY POINTS:
AUCKLAND
Last week, Grammar Carlton beat Ponsonby 27-6 in the inaugural Waka Nathan Challenge Cup final. This week, they proved this was no fluke by disposing of Marist 28-8.
In a scrappy match, both teams made numerous errors. Marist had first use of a strong wind but were guilty of not taking advantage.
Grammar Carlton scored the first try after a fine angled run into the corner by centre Richie Slade. However, after heavy Marist pressure, standout first-five Steve Shepherd got a try back but they trailed 8-5 at halftime.
In the second half, with the wind at his back, Grammar Carlton captain Lachie Munro took over and showed why he is an Auckland representative.
He landed two penalties, with one an impressive 50m strike. He pinned Marist in their own half with his clever running and pinpoint kicking.
Marist stayed in touch until late in the game, when they let in two tries. The scoreline flattered Grammar Carlton but this was still an important win. Replacement flanker Dan Pryor had a fine match with his excellent support play and powerful tackling.
Otahuhu are rightfully proud of almost upsetting competition favourites Ponsonby, eventually going down 35-31. Otahuhu have a young team and they knew this game would be a gauge for their season.
Promising forward Tulua Samasoni made his senior debut and tackled his heart out. He was well supported by former coach Rob Auimatagi at flanker. Auckland props Tevita Mailau and Charlie Faumuina also got through a lot of work and helped Otahuhu come back from 18-0 down at the break. For Ponsonby, first-five Brett Williams scored three tries and landed five kicks for a personal haul of 28 points.
University made good use of home advantage in a bonus-point 35-17 win over Waitemata. They will be hoping second-five Jamie Helleur can stay injury-free, as his industrious performance highlighted his importance to the team. His brother Brenton also figured prominently at halfback.
NORTH HARBOUR
Ben Botica, the teenage son of former All Black and Kiwi Frano, showed he has inherited his dad's prowess with the boot with a powerful display of goalkicking in yesterday's round of premier club rugby.
Botica, playing for his father's old club North Shore, kicked his side to a 15-10 win over Silverdale, scoring all his side's points from five penalties.
But the fact only one try was scored was a reflection of a game of poor quality, studded with errors and containing 25 penalties.
The shrill whistle of visiting French referee Julien Szostak also dominated Takapuna's match against Mahurangi, with a total of 33 penalties called in another game which failed to flow and had little constructive rugby.
Takapuna gained maximum points in winning 31-15 to go to the top of the table.
Wing Marc Camburn scored two of the tries but it was not one of Takapuna's best performances and they were often rattled by the strong driving of Mahurangi's Fijian No 8 Josh Vilitau.
Glenfield, upset winners over Marist last week, almost pulled off another against Massey, holding a narrow lead heading into the final 20 minutes before conceding a penalty to lose 23-22.
Massey started well and led 17-0 within the first 15 minutes. But Glenfield, despite missing key back Jack McPhee with injury, then took charge and, with halfback Brett Ingham having a fine game, had the better of the second spell.
Northcote were another side to win despite being unable to score a try. In a tight forward battle, James Peck's three penalties were enough to edge out Helensville 9-7. The only try went to Helensville wing Jonah Tuitoga.
Marist got their first win of the season, 24-10 over East Coast Bays. Marist scored four tries to take full points but it was a closely fought contest, with representative flanker Tom Chamberlain coming off the bench to boost Marist's second spell effort.
