Rugby: Tough match to Pakuranga

Pakuranga proved they can beat the top teams in Auckland club rugby when they won a tense encounter against an under-strength University side 15-13 at Bell Park yesterday.

Both teams were unbeaten but looked nervous in a scrappy first half. University dominated possession and territory with a stiff breeze behind them but were unable to break the home team's tenacious defence.

University first-five Brad Linklater kicked two penalty goals from four attempts to give his side a 6-0 lead at the break. In a lacklustre first half University openside flanker Sean Polwart, who made some telling turnovers, and hard working Pakuranga hooker Paddy-Joe Atkins, stood out.

Pakuranga started the second spell in fine style, with left winger Charles Piutau making a brilliant break only to be pushed out in the corner. Two minutes later Pakuranga seemed certain to score after some fine interplay but the final pass was bombed.

University made their luck count when livewire halfback David Ormrod made a 40m run and linked with Polwart and No 8 Alex McIntyre before lock John Vea scored in the corner.

Linklater's superb sideline conversion into the wind put University 13-0 up but, from the kick off, Piutau made another scorching break to set up a ruck near the University line. Centre Romi Ropati and Kirk Eveleigh attacked to put prop Mausia Taiese over.

Gareth Arlidge converted to close the gap to 13-7. Pakuranga piled on the pressure, turning down handy goalkicking opportunities which paid off when lock Tristan Sweden crashed over after a rolling maul. Arlidge missed the conversion but with 15 minutes left kicked a penalty from 40m out to give Pakuranga the lead for the first time.

University made one last attacking raid which should have won the game. Winger Mike Toko made a strong run but with just one player to beat, and a player unmarked inside, went on his own and the chance was lost.

In other matches Otahuhu beat Waitemata 34-24, Grammar Carlton rolled Te Papa-Mt Wellington 62-32 and Ponsonby were too good for Waitakere winning by 59-19.

NORTH HARBOUR

Lock Simon Hanlon celebrated 100 premier games for the club by leading Takapuna to a 21-8 win over Mahurangi.

But the defending champions were made to fight hard by a much improved Mahurangi side, which last week upset Massey.

Mahurangi had the better of the opening 30 minutes and deserved an 8-3 lead. That lead might have been greater had first five-eighths Matt Farmer not missed two penalty goal attempts.

After some discipline problems, including a yellow card, with Jon Elrick's powerful boot a factor, and two smart backline tries, Takapuna gained the upper hand.

Northcote retained the outright championship lead with a comfortable win over bottom side Helensville. But the win was costly as two of the side's best backs, Mike Harris and Sebastion Filipe, sustained leg injuries.

Massey won 18-8 over East Coast Bays, while Marist and North Shore had decisive wins over Glenfield and Silverdale respectively.

First five eighths Richard Lobb scored all of Massey's points with six penalties, while Danny Morrison's five penalties for Marist enabled his side to pip Glenfield despite being outscored three tries to two.