MSP edge Petone in thriller
The opening weekend of the second-round competitions has offered up plenty of close matches on a chilly day across Wellington.
Jubilee Cup
In a major result, Old Boys University has comprehensively beaten Norths 36-10 away from home. Given the form of Norths in the first round, OBU's ease of victory was surprising. The home side did not help themselves, after conceding a yellow card late in the half. For OBU, a bonus-point victory gets their Jubilee Cup season off to a flyer.
In other big results, Hutt Old Boys Marist have beaten Ories 24-15 and Wainuiomata has beaten Tawa 19-8 (no doubt inspired by a likely Piri Weepu appearance!) Finally, in our feature game Marist St Pats edged Petone.
Extended Feature Game: Marist St Pats 19- Petone 17
Petone's two missed penalties late in the second-half have allowed MSP to sneak home in a thriller. MSP seemed to have control of the game, before a late try by Petone's Charlie Pahulu set up a nail-biting finish.
Petone got off to the better start, after dominating early possession. After constant attack, fullback Villiami Fine crashed over to score near the posts. MSP quickly responded after converting a penalty to reduce the deficit.
Midway through the half, MSP scored their first try. Hooker Valentine Meachen received a kick before showing impressive pace down the sideline. As the defence approached, he offloaded to a charging James Proctor who scored. A further penalty increased MSP's lead to 11-7.
Rugby took a back seat, after Petone's second-five Willie Tufui had to be stretchered off after receiving a nasty head-knock. Given the severity of the incident, the match was moved on to a separate field and the half ended early.
The second-half resumed and MSP came out with more intensity. After applying pressure, James Proctor converted a penalty to increase their lead.
However, Petone refused to give in. They kept the ball in hand and got more go-forward. Finally, after concerted pressure, Petone's lock Pahulu battered his way across the line. All of a sudden, the game was tied.
The see-saw nature of the match continued, when MSP found some space out wide. Well timed passing allowed Billy Proctor to score in the corner to regain the lead. Petone then converted a penalty to reduce MSP's lead to just two points.
The home side certainly didn't help themselves in the final quarter. They were reduced to 14 men, after Bruce Kauika-Peterson received a yellow card. MSP deserve this victory, earnt through tough defence and a strong kicking game.
Hardham Cup
The biggest highlight from today was Upper Hutt's dominant 35-16 win against Poneke. The Rams will be happy with their first-up performance, after showing plenty of potential in the Swindale Shield.
In other results, Wellington beat Avalon 22-12; while Johnsonville beat Paremata-Plimmerton 48-15.
Premier Reserve
In the Ed Chaney Cup, HOBM have thrashed Ories 38-3 and Tawa beat Wainui in a high-scorer 34-19. Petone have beaten MSP 41-17 and OBU have comfortably beaten Norths 37-3.
Women's Rugby
Ories continue their dominance, after thrashing MSP 61-19. In the other result, Norths have also put in a big performance against Wainui, winning 50-19.
In the second division, Paremata-Plimmerton thrashed Tawa 64-13; while Poneke edged HOBM 27-19.
Colts Competition
In the Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup, Petone have resumed their strong form beating MSP 34-14. In other results, Ories comfortably beat HOBM 44-22 and OBU Green beat Norths 22-0. Finally, Tawa have beaten Paremata-Plimmerton 41-5.
In the Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup, Kapiti have beaten OBU Black 31-7 and Avalon have beaten Wellington 34-19. Finally, the Rams edged Poneke 40-37 and Wainui thrashed Johnsonville 36-9.
