Rugby: Jones inspires epic Waitemata win

Waitemata's dramatic, emotionally-charged 26-19 win over University has set the Auckland senior club rugby competition alight.

With great former international Michael Jones in the reserves and champing at the bit to take the field, an inspired Waitemata ran rampant to score three tries and lead 21-7 at the break.

University's ground was abuzz with the news that Jones would take the field in the second half, and when he did he immediately had an impact with a powerful tackle on Varsity flanker Cam McKay.

The third quarter was a thriller as University closed in but the Waitemata defence, with Jones in the vanguard, held.

Jones could not recall the last time he played for Waitemata, but it was probably three or four years ago. He said he was completely over the niggling calf injury he suffered at the start of the season.

"I am a month away from full fitness, which is about right for the NPC rounds."

University coach Graeme Syms acknowledged that his side's loss was as much psychological as it was through being outplayed.

"The Iceman cometh, and all of my players knew it," he said. "They were flat and there was a lack of intensity in the warm-ups before the game, and it was not a question of complacency or under-estimating the opposition."

Ponsonby continued to lead the race to make the top-four playoffs with a grinding 23-17 win over a Grammar Carlton side charged by Adrian Cashmore from fullback. Cashmore was kept in check for most of the game, but still managed to set up his side's sole try and kick four penalties.

Teachers Eastern romped to a 44-7 victory over Papatoetoe and showed their brilliant try-scoring talents along the way.

Otahuhu finished strongly to beat Marist 26-18 after trailing 6-8 at the break, and Suburbs toughed out a bruising encounter with Tamaki to win 37-12.

Premier two leaders Manukau found demoted first-division side Waitakere City too clinical and clever and went down 3-28, and East Tamaki took the lead with an 18-13 win over Te Papapa Onehunga.

In North Harbour rugby, confidence in the pack and resolute defence in the backline were the key to Silverdale beating second-placed Kumeu in the race for semifinal berths.

Kumeu, the danger side of the competition on the breakout from loose and turnover ball, trailed 12-13 at halftime, but rallied to score three splendid second-half running tries. The lead changed hands four times, both sides earning a bonus point for scoring four tries, but Silverdale's Calvin Howarth carried the day by kicking his team to a 30-24 win.

Takapuna, ahead 19-5 at halftime and 41-5 in the middle of the second spell, looked vulnerable in allowing Helensville to score three tries in the last 10 minutes, eventually winning 41-22.

With three rounds to go Takapuna, unbeaten after 12 outings and with a 16-point lead, are assured of top spot for the semifinals. North Shore (37 points), Kumeu (36), Marist (34) and Silverdale (33) are fighting out the other three spots. Shore and Marist still have the bye to come, giving Kumeu and Silverdale breathing space.

In the crunch game betwen Shore and Marist on Saturday, one from each side was sinbinned and there were many penalties. With one try apiece, the boot of Rima Wakarua again came up trumps, Shore winning a cliffhanger 19-13.

Northcote's semifinal hopes were dashed by bottom-placed Mahurangi producing wonders in the pack, supreme defence and a running game in the backline, scoring three tries to one in winning 23-13.

Glenfield at last, but too late, started to gel, beating luckless Massey 32-17.

In Counties Manukau, Papakura ruined Waiuku's run of victories with a 48-24 win.

Papakura raced to a 30-point lead by halftime, but Waiuku came back, with wing Robert Fleming providing the inspiration.

Three Fa'ala Tolouno tries and 18 points from Phil Lewis' boot were the difference in the end for undefeated Papakura.

Ardmore Marist beat Pukekohe in a tight encounter 19-13.

Pukekohe had the better of the first half and went to the break leading 13-0. The second spell belonged to Ardmore Marist, with Andrew Campbell, Cory Wetini and AJ Derwin dotting down to help secure victory.

Manurewa had to work hard for their 25-10 victory over Bombay. Ora John and Mark Todd were dominant figures in Manurewa's pack, while Seilesi Moimoi and Loki Crichton provided the touches of class to help bring Manurewa home.

Country battlers Patumahoe and Onewhero fought out a tense struggle, with Patumahoe running out winners 12-3. New Steelers loose forward Maaka Tatafa proved a handful for Onewhero, while speedster Shannon Howe scored the try that proved the difference between the two teams.