Rugby: Houdini act provides Suburbs with points

By GRAHAM REDDAWAY

Suburbs have to be the luckiest side in the Gallaher Shield competition if their 20-17 win over Marist yesterday is any guide.

Well beaten up front by a very strong and experienced Marist tight five, on the wrong end of a penalty try and with a man in the sin bin, all in injury time, and then 15-17 down with time up, the Westerners made what should go down in their history as the greatest escape of all.

From the kick-off following the penalty try Suburbs wrestled their way to within five metres of the Marist goal. It was Marist's feed to a lineout, the ball bobbled back to Marist and the defensive kick for touch, which would have ended the game, was charged down. In a flash Suburbs blindside flanker, Nisifolo Nafahau, touched down and that was game, set and match.

It was one of those strange encounters when for the first quarter Suburbs dominated, then Marist for the next quarter with the only moment to cheer about the sight of giant 19-year-old Suburbs loosehead prop, Joe Lao, running 20 metres like a runway bus for a try.

In the second half, with Suburbs leading 8-7, the Marist pack took control of the game. Their very experienced front row, Mana Otai, John Fonokolafi and Sione Sione, constantly turned the scrums and won the feed, and invariably spoiled any ball won from the set pieces by Suburbs.

But the Marist backline squandered their stream of ball with unforced errors and inept kicking in general play.

Tamaki again pulled off another of their big surprises when they drew 5-5 with leading side Otahuhu, who have now been joined at the top of the ladder by Ponsonby, 15-6 winners in a dour match with Waitemata, and Suburbs.

Waitakere City hit their straps again and scored six tries in beating Teachers Eastern 32-18 and University continued their climb back into contention with a 23-0 win over Grammar Carlton.