Rugby: Match-winning flanker hailed a hero

Auckland rugby

University produced a new hero in 18-year-old flanker Matt Matich as they beat College Rifles 24-11 in the Alan McEvoy Memorial Trophy round played yesterday.

The game was evenly poised most of the first half, with Varsity ahead 9-3 from James Semple's goalkicking. Winger Unaloto Pita broke clear from his goal line and Matich ran 50 metres to score a superb matchwinning try.

Up 16-3 at the break, Varsity never looked like giving up their lead as their well drilled defence kept out College Rifles until winger Nick Hamilton scored in the corner late in the game to close the gap to 19-11. Any thoughts of a comeback win for College Rifles were dashed when Varsity scored in the final minute through barnstorming No 8 Alex McIntyre.

Halfback Toby Morland and first-five Matt Berquist had their moments for College Rifles but were overshadowed by yet another outstanding performance from Varsity halfback Brenton Helleur.

Elsewhere, young lock Fa'atiga Lemalu was outstanding for Marist as they came back from 23-5 down at halftime before losing 28-18 to leaders Ponsonby. Waitakere beat Suburbs 24-22 in the West Auckland derby, while Grammar Carlton stay second after a convincing 58-3 win over Eden. Otahuhu retain fourth place after beating gutsy East Tamaki 22-11.

- Peter White

North Harbour

Promising first five-eighths Ben Botica, a prolific scorer in the past three seasons, closed in on almost 200 points for this year, starring for North Shore.

Botica collected 26 points as Shore routed Silverdale 76-0. Powerful No 8 Matt Leamanu, the big signing from Wellington, scored a hat-trick of tries.

The match was as good as over by halftime when Shore, with the most exciting backline in the competition, were ahead 45-0.

Northcote, which shares the championship lead with Shore, also won easily. Northcote's well drilled pack was again to the fore in thrashing Helensville 50-3.

Loose forward Theo Hermans led the way for Northcote with two tries.

Takapuna and Marist gained bonus point wins, and Massey ensured their top six places with comfortable wins.

Takapuna, with their hefty scorer Jon Elrick contributing 11 points to be another nearing 200 for the season, scored a 26-0 away win over Mahurangi and Marist celebrated the 50th blazer games for the club by Nick Blincoe and Vinny McDonald, with a 27-20 win over Glenfield.

In all matches a strong, biting wind was a key factor. Playing at home East Coast-Bays failed to make effective use of it and lost 25-6 loss to a Massey side which was cleverly led by halfback Siosi Lauaki.

- Lindsay Knight