Howick 22 – 12 Hibiscus Coast
The Hibiscus Coast Raiders turned up with a hearty performance for their club day, 40th anniversary celebration and the livestream game. Coming up against the second placed Howick Hornets, the home side got off to a great start scoring in their first position through Ian Mills. A close battle throughout, the Hornets showed their composure to come back with a threatening right edge. The Raiders stayed in the game through repetitively winning their own kick-off, getting good field position and keeping the pressure on. In the end, Howick proved too strong and came away with the win.
Northcote 36 – 28 Otara
An exciting back and forth game between two sides battling to hold on to the final spot in the Premiership play-off for their section (after round nine, top 6 play-off in Premiership, bottom 4 play-off for Championship). Northcote’s centres, Kauri Harema and Alvin Tu’ione put the pressure on out wide. A close game throughout with Otara leading at the break by eight, it was four consecutive converted tries from the Tigers that allowed them to pull away. The Scorpions came back, but a Northcote penalty goal halted their momentum with five minutes remaining. Kauri Harema scored himself a double in the contest.
Manukau 18 – 12 Mt Albert
The Magpies have gotten themselves a big win to leap frog the Lions in the standings. The teams were tough to separate, heading into the break all tied up at 6-a piece. The trend continued with each side scoring another try early in the second half. A Samuel Nati penalty goal helped Manukau take hold of the lead before Koronato John scored a try in the final ten minutes to give the side a bit of breathing room.
Ponsonby 58 – 12 Papatoetoe
Ponsonby got off to a good start through solid structure, allowing them to establish a comfortable lead in the first half. Key players for the Ponies included Daymond Abbey and Liam Briggs who both helped control the game and allow for smooth offense when on attack. Papatoetoe’s effort was evident throughout the full eighty minutes with the side pulling together towards the back-end of the game to score a couple of tries themselves.
Richmond 26 – 8 Marist
These two sides looked to control their spot at the top of table coming head-to-head to have a direct impact on how the standings may end up. It was Richmond took control, bouncing back from their defeat to Glenora last week. The Bulldogs got themselves a 22-0 lead before the Saints tried their hand at a comeback but it was too little, too late for the visitors at Grey Lynn Park. Richmond secured the Eddie Po Ching Memorial Cup in the contest.
Bay Roskill 40 – 14 Manurewa
Bay Roskill looked to secure their positioning this week with a bye coming up in the final round. The intent was clear with the Vikings coming hot on attack to start the game, scoring two quick tries in the first ten minutes through Jerome Vogel and Ben Henry. Down 24-0, the Manurewa Marlins crossed for three consecutive tries to make a game of it. A Jarvis Leaoseve double shut out any chance of a comeback from the visitors, as Bay Roskill put their best foot forward heading into the bye.
Glenora 56 – 8 Mangere East
A try scoring spree for the table topping Bears, they had four players bag doubles as they continue to roll on their side of the Premiership. Mangere East face another tough battle next week when they take on the Marist Saints who are currently sitting just above them on the table.
Te Atatu 78 – 8 Pakuranga
The Roosters got back into the winners column in fashion with a dominant win over the Pakuranga Jaguars. Stomping their mark on the first half, the side ran out to a 48-0 lead heading into the break. An improved performance in the second forty from the Jaguars saw them cross for two tries of their own but the Roosters strength saw the score line continue to tick over.
Otahuhu 104 – 0 Papakura
An offensive clinic for the Otahuhu Leopards as score 18 tries throughout the match, keeping the pressure on throughout the game. Stuck first equal with the Glenora Bears, the Leopards are doing all they can to impact their point differential heading towards the end of the season. Papakura will look to put this game behind them and turn their attention to the Pakuranga Jaguars in the final round.
