KEY POINTS:
Auckland
University beat Marist 18-10 yesterday in another closely fought encounter between the two proud clubs. Marist dominated in the forwards but the talented University backline earned the victory.
Midway through the first half a slick move from a scrum saw Varsity winger Perkins Waterhouse open the scoring, although the final pass looked to be forward.
In the second half, both sides constantly infringed and several penalties were awarded. Defence remained tight and it was only 11-3 to University with five minutes to go. Marist finally compiled some constructive play and scored a fine 60m try involving several players and finished superbly by promising winger Thomas Timani.
From the kickoff, the University forwards forced a turnover and Peter Leulusoo strolled over for a simple try to ensure the win. University lock Paula Fakautoki had a fine match and always competed with the well drilled Marist forwards.
Waitakere City hosted competition favourites Ponsonby, narrowly losing 29-20. The sides were tied 13-all at halftime with two tries apiece. The boot of Brett Williams once more got the Ponies home as he contributed 19 points including a drop goal.
Waitemata outclassed Mt Wellington 48-7. Lock Saki Uluvula played his 100th game in the Mt Wellington colours and 18-year-old first five Emani Tuimauga also impressed.
Grammar Carlton were too good for Manukau, winning 40-12. Manukau were competitive but had no answer for a backline containing Super 14 player Isa Nacewa.
After a string of good results, East Tamaki would have been disappointed to lose to Pakuranga by 42-12. Pakuranga wing David Gordon had a fine match scoring a try and setting up two others. Lock Shannon Stuut made sure the Pakuranga pack, missing some key players, did not take a backward step to the powerful East Tamaki forwards.
North Harbour
Marist stayed on target to finish as the top qualifiers for the playoffs in the North Harbour premier rugby competition by grinding out a 16-9 win over one of the other leading sides, Northcote, yesterday. Marist looked as if they had wasted their winning chance when, after dominating the first 20 minutes, they were unable to turn their big possession and territory advantage into points, twice even declining kickable penalties at goal.
However, the game turned Marist's way when Northcote had second five-eighths Roland Suniula sin-binned apparently for dissent late in the first spell. Marist attacked almost immediately and exploited their one-man advantage when fullback David Faillei sent wing Aidan McDonald over for the only try.
Two penalties in the second-spell enabled Marist to hold the edge until the end, with Northcote further handicapped in the final few minutes when front-row injuries meant golden oldies scrums.
Marist now have a six-point lead over Massey, who displaced Northcote with a commanding 43-15 win over a depleted Silverdale.
Massey's brilliant backs were in superb form and ran Silverdale ragged out wide, especially in the final spell. Centre Daniel Masila had a field day, scoring four of Massey's seven tries.
North Shore, without key backs in Luke Hamilton and Hayden Abercrombie, finished on the right side of a cliffhanger for a change, just nudging out Helensville 14-13 in another tight contest.
Glenfield found form at last and, with a better effort by the forwards and rearranged backline, secured the points to beat Kumeu 26-0 for the side's first win of the season.
Counties
Waiuku narrowly beat Patumahoe 28-26 in a match with interesting positional contests for those aspiring to be named in Kevin Putt's squad in a few weeks.
Waiuku enjoyed a slight edge in the tight, even though they were without tighthead prop Simon Lemalu for the first half. However Patumahoe's dynamic loose forward trio evened things up and combined for a standout try from a kickoff.
It signalled a revival by their team after they trailled 25-12 after halftime.
It was an untidy display by the defending champions, with Waiuku pouncing on mistakes through livewire halfback Aaron Murphy who combined well with the hard-running Sosepha Kata in mid field.
After clawing their way back, Patumahoe were impatient and squandered scoring opportunities that could have saved them the game before going down 28-26. Manurewa hosted Ardmore Marist in another important match for carry-over points for the McNamara Cup round starting next week.
An even encounter ensued, with Ardmore Marist winning 20-13. Loose forwards Turner Ormsby and Fritz Lee were tireless for the home team, whilst first five Daryl Sanft and fullback Sherwin Stowers were the best for Ardmore Marist.
