Rugby: Grammar take Nathan Trophy

AUCKLAND

Grammar Carlton are the new holders of the Waka Nathan Challenge Trophy after a decisive 23-11 win over Otahuhu at Sturges Park yesterday.

The victory also gave Grammar Carlton four vital competition points and they remain second behind Ponsonby after five rounds of the Auckland premier club competition.

Otahuhu had much the better of the early stages, dominating territory and having the lion's share of possession, but frequent handling errors cost them try-scoring opportunities and they turned over too much ball.

Their scrum was highly effective with young props Sione and Thomas Kolo impressing. The twins are in their first year of senior rugby after starring for De La Salle College last year.

Grammar Carlton led 15-3 at the break after tries to Auckland flanker Onosa'i Auva'a and Tavita Milo.

Otahuhu reduced the gap to 15-11 with a superb try to winger Tenina Saigone but Grammar Carlton regained their composure in the final 20 minutes to take control of the game. Firstly Ash Moeke kicked a penalty before replacement winger Simon Munro finished off a good move to close out the game 23-11.

In other games, Ponsonby captain Mark Hooper celebrated his 100th game for Ponies by kicking a conversion to round off an emphatic 57-8 drubbing of Eden, while Waitemata moved into the top four after beating Pakuranga 20-16 in a tense struggle. University scored seven tries in a 43-10 win away at Papatoetoe.

- Peter White

NORTH HARBOUR


East Coast-Bays, unable to secure a win in three rounds, broke their duck spectacularly yesterday by upsetting perennial champions Takapuna.

Bays won 23-10, denying Takapuna even a bonus point. Bays captain and midfield back Brett Cameron stole the ball in his own half and ran away for a converted try in the last minute.

It was a deserved win for Bays because of their spirited defence, even though they were issued three yellow cards in a penalty-marred contest.

Takapuna contributed to their downfall with some unusual tactics. Several times they turned down easy penalty goal attempts opting for attacking lineouts and rolling mauls, where they held an advantage.

These brought one try to flanker Chris Smith and Takapuna probably had a case for being granted a penalty try as Bays frustrated several onslaughts. overall Takapuna were authors of their own demise and, with several first stringers out with injury, lacked backline penetration and ideas.

North Shore, thanks to the accurate boot of Ben Botica, ground out a 23-14 win over a Marist side whose pack was boosted by the return of prop Mike Reid from Blues Super 14 duty.

Northcote remained top of the table with their fourth win, hammering Mahurangi 74-0. Mike Harris scored 39 points from three tries and a 100 per cent kicking record.

Glenfield confirmed their improvement when representative back Jack McPhee guided them to a 28-21 win over Massey and Silverdale scored a late converted try to pip an improved Helensville 28-21 in the Country Cup contest.

- Lindsay Knight