Rugby: Gallaher champions formidable again

Teachers-Eastern's two-season grip on Auckland club rugby's Gallaher Shield will not be loosened easily, on the evidence of their pulsating 18-18 draw with Ponsonby.

After two games, Teachers-Eastern have just two points from the draw to show for their efforts, after losing 13-15 to Grammar Carlton in the opening round.

But their fightback on Saturday against the blue-and-blacks after trailing 0-18 at halftime showed there is a fierce determination to overcome the loss of their brilliant Fijians, Pita Bolea and Drue Sereli.

The rock-hard state of the Orakei Domain contributed to a high attrition rate among the players. It was evident in the second half that Ponsonby's larger pack were struggling in the conditions, with an apparent reluctance to tackle their opposition and take them to ground.

Jason Chandler ruled the lineouts for Ponsonby until he was substituted in the second half, and Brett Williams and Dale Rasmussen were able to break through among their backs.

But in the second half the Teachers-Eastern pack, led by prop Sione Lavulo and encouraged by their inspirational skipper and halfback Mu Tuala, took control and Ponsonby hardly got a sniff of the ball.

With Teachers-Eastern trailing by three points in injury time, Ponsonby conceded a penalty and William Gibbons was equal to the opportunity.

Teachers-Eastern coach John Lomax was happy with the draw.

"Just ticker, mate, just ticker," he said, explaining the comeback.

Waitakere City trailed University 0-15 at halftime, but smashed their way back with 22 unanswered second-half points to remain unbeaten and head the ladder.

Suburbs are also unbeaten after their 23-13 win over a tenacious Tamaki side.

Marist's Joe Margison was to the fore in kicking six penalties and two conversions in his side's 32-17 win over Grammar Carlton.

Otahuhu led Waitemata 20-0 at halftime but the westerners almost pulled the lead back before Otahuhu won 20-18.