Dale Sabbagh’s late penalty puts OBU on top of table
It's been another big day of rugby across all divisions, with plenty of tries and some nail-biting matches.
Swindale Shield
In a major result, Dale Sabbaragh has converted a late penalty to give OBU a 38-36 victory against an in-form HOBM. Norths have also made a big statement with a 23-19 win against Ories. Let's not forget Wainui, who staged a comeback against Wellington, eventually winning 34-11. The race for the title is truly on!
Other key results have seen Poneke, Petone, MSP and Tawa all secure bonus-point victories. Poneke thrashed Avalon 70-14; while Petone beat Johnsonville 32-5. In the other matches, Matt Peni scored four tries in MSP's 65-13 riot against Paremata-Plimmerton. Tawa's victory against the Rams is covered in detail below.
After todays matches we know the following:
In contention to win the Swindale Shield:
OBU (49), Wainui (47), Ories (46), Norths (45)
Already qualified for the Jubilee Cup:
The four teams above, plus HOBM (42), MSP (40), Tawa (39)
In contention for 8th place:
Petone (35) & Poneke (33)
Consigned to Hardham Cup:
UH Rams (28), Wgtn (16), Jville (7), Avalon (5), Pare-Plim (4)
Extended Feature Game: Upper Hutt 12- Tawa 37
Tawa's ease of victory came as a surprise. The away side dominated most facets of the game, particularly in the scrum where they had Upper Hutt back-peddling. Upper Hutt, as they often do, staged a second-half comeback but it wasn't enough.
Tawa were quickest off the mark, after Tamati Hauraki-Tyrell ran a perfect inside line to score near the posts. The away side deserved their early lead after absorbing early pressure.
Tawa continued their dominance, after a strong scrum lead to a try to James Coburn. A further two penalties gave Tawa a 20-0 halftime lead. The away side deserved their lead, after starving the Rams of quality possession and territory. Their set-pieces were solid and they were tough on defence.
Tawa's stranglehold on the game continued in the second-half, after a well-worked lineout move setup a try to Folau Vea. The away side continued to run the ball and concerted pressure led to a second try to Vea. Tawa's lead was now 30-0 and the game was all but over.
Upper Hutt staged a mini-comeback when they scored two tries in quick succession although it was not enough. Tawa issued the knock-out blow when Hemi Fermanis scored off an impressive driving maul.
Tawa's pack deserves a lot of credit. Their lineout was solid and a dominant scrum gave James So'oialo the platform he needed to dictate the game. For Upper Hutt, their loose-forwards were powerful with ball-in-hand and winger Joyner Key threatened out wide.
Harper Lock Shield
In the Premier Reserve competition, Upper Hutt defeated Tawa 26-7; while Norths thrashed Ories 45-26. In other results, MSP dominated Paremata-Plimmerton 68-8 and OBU beat HOBM 31-20 in a big result for the Goats. Finally, Petone thrashed Johnsonville 66-21 and Poneke comfortably beat Avalon 52-26.
Women's Rugby
In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, Ories have continued their winning ways with a 39-15 win against Norths; while MSP defeated OBU 44-10.
In Women's Second Division action, Petone for defeated Paremata-Plimmerton 24-0 and Poneke thrashed Tawa 71-0.
Colts Competition
In the Les Mills Paris Memorial Trophy, Petone has continued their winning streak with a 51-24 victory against MSP. In other results, Tawa edged OBU Green 18-17, Ories thrashed Upper Hutt 36-8 and finally, Norths beat Poneke 17-16.
In the JRD Cup; Kapiti beat Johnsonville 33-7, HOBM thrashed OBU Black 79-25. Finally, Wainui beat Wellington 13-5.
