MSP ram home advantage to secure bonus-point win
A strong second-half performance has given MSP a comfortable 35-7 bonus-point victory against the Upper Hutt Rams.
After leading 9-0 at halftime, MSP threw the knock-out punch early in the second-half after winger Mike Buckley scored in the corner following impressive build-up work from lock Sean Bridge. Shortly after Upper Hutt's Joyner Key received a yellow-card for a head-high, Bridge stole the away side's lineout before galloping down the left-flank and offloading to Mike Buckley for a key score.
Shortly after his try, Buckley showed his speed again after running down the touchline before being bundled into touch metres from the line. He was a constant threat on attack for the home side.
MSP were dominant throughout the second-half and continued to threaten the Upper Hutt defensive line. Shortly after Fili penalty, tighthead prop Ha'amea Ahio couldn't believe his luck after receiving an offload to score an easy try under the bar to make it 21-0.
Despite the Rams efforts, they were unable to create enough genuine opportunities on attack. MSP were outstanding on defence and suffocated the Rams with a strong kicking game and excellent set-piece.
The home side used their bench to great effect, with forwards Apolo and Tuia adding impact in the final 20 minutes. Luky Tuia was particularly impressive and scored two late tries to secure the bonus point.
The Rams did not give up and showed heart to score a consolation try to Schrijvers after a sniping run to make it 35-7.
In another big result, Wainuiomata beat Poneke 39-28 in a high-scoring affair at William Jones. Wainui held a slight lead at the break thanks to a powerful performance from their dominant pack.
A key turning point of the match came when 'Golden Oldies' scrums enforced close to halftime. Poneke's dangerous backline started come into the match, particularly centre Levi Harmon who was a constant threat.
Poneke rallied to score three second-half tries to lead 28-26, which included a penalty try after Harmon was nearly tripped near the line. Wainui fullback Jason Love was consequently yellow-carded. All of a sudden, Poneke held the ascendency.
However, Wainui again showed composure to score a late penalty and try to lock Jalan Farris to win 39-28.
In other highlights, Ories beat Tawa in a tight encounter 32-24. Tawa failed to capitalise on a strong wind advantage in the second-half and also lost a player to the sin-bin. The key moment came in the second-half where Ories scored a length-of-the-field intercept try to gain the lead and eventually win 32-24. Tawa just can't seem to hit their straps this season although they are not helping themselves after giving away two intercept tries this afternoon.
In other results, Petone comfortably beat Avalon 41-15 and Old Boys University were dominant against Johnsonville winning 64-11. HOBM will be happy to gain their first win of the season away to Paremata-Plimmerton. Norths also maintain their strong start to the season with another win away to Wellington 35-17.
