Rugby: Referee frustrates club rivals

By GRAHAM REDDAWAY

Five years of playing in Japan for Nippon Steel have not blunted the skill and enthusiasm of 34-year-old Waitakere City flanker, Danny Kaleopa.

He was man of the match against Ponsonby in the fifth round of Gallaher Shield preliminary matches, despite his side being beaten 16-18.

Kaleopa, who first played for Marist, started a new career three months ago as a customs officer and, with shift work, has had little time left for rugby.

He was the kingpin of a strong Waitakere City defence that closed down Ponsonby midfielders Craig Innes and Dale Rassmussen to the extent that the blue and blacks hardly threatened the Waitakere City line.

Ponsonby won the match through first five-eighth Quintan Sanft converting six of the nine penalty shots at goal he was handed.

Waitakere City scored two tries in a game that left players, coaches and spectators from both sides expressing anger and frustration at the refereeing; 31 penalties were awarded.

Waitakere City had prop Sa McCarthy sinbinned 10 minutes before halftime for a scrum offence that puzzled his opponents as much as it did his own side. And late in the half they lost another forward to the sinbin for retaliation.

Neither camp was especially happy with the performance of referee Phil London.

Ponsonby coach Jack Huch was grateful for the win, but he had strong views about the outcome.

"My players were totally frustrated and angered by what went on today," he said.

Waitakere City coach Tu Nu'uali'itia agreed with Huch that the referee's domination of the match played too big a part in the result.

"We [needn't] wonder why people don't come and watch games, after an exhibition like today," Nu'uali'itia said.

Suburbs contained Papatoetoe and led 14-6 at the break. But the slickness of their backline, which included Eroni Clarke, eased them out to a 43-11 victory.

Marist waited until the second half to use star players Xavier Rush, Robin Brooke and Dylan Mika, but Otahuhu romped away to win 40-13.

University were too good for Pakuranga, easing away to win 48-8.

Waitemata were never troubled, beating Grammar Carlton 32-6.