Norths hold off fast-finishing Rams in try-fest
It's been another great day of club rugby, with plenty of tries and a few upsets.
Swindale Shield
A huge result has seen Petone upset Hutt Old Boys Marist 49-31, giving Marist their first loss since Round Two. In other big results, Ories have narrowly beaten Marist St Pats 32-25 and Wainui have beaten OBU 16-11 at Kelburn Park.
Tawa supporters will be delighted with their 18-15 win against Poneke, which is a key result as they look to secure a spot in the Jubilee Cup. Wellington have spoiled the party on Old Timers Day at Ngati Toa Domain, with a 22-21 over Paremata-Plimmerton. Finally, Johnsonville got a deserved win against Avalon 26-17.
Extended Feature Game: Norths 47 v Upper Hutt Rams 27
This match was all about the second-half, with 11 tries scored from both teams. Upper Hutt staged an impressive comeback in the final 20 minutes, where they scored four consecutive tries to reduce Norths lead. However, the home side held their nerve and sealed the win with two late tries.
The first half was dominated by defence. Both teams ran hard, but handling errors put an end to promising attacking play. Norths were first to score, after reserve halfback Esi Komaisavai gathered a loose ball and showed pace to score.
The home side scored again, as Ethan Robinson-Mate took an offload to crash over near the posts. A late Upper Hutt penalty gave Norths a deserved 10-3 lead at the break.
The first part of the second-half was all Norths. Just as fans got back to their seats, Liki Siliga sprinted down the sideline to score.
Siliga's try sparked a period of dominance for Norths, as their big ball-runners created havoc. Firstly, impressive second-five Perry Hayman skipped out of a tackle, before offloading to Jordan Mellars-Rose to score. A further try came, after a big scrum allowed Johnny Teleaga to crash over the line.
The try of the game came shortly after when big No.8 Mike Ioapo smashed through the defence, before offloading to Mellars-Rose, who in turn flicked an inside ball to a charging Komaisavai who scored his second try.
The period of dominance was complete, when a Perry Hayman break led to yet another try for Norths. Upper Hutt seemed down and out, as Norths lead 35-3.
The final 20 minutes belonged to Upper Hutt, as they found big gaps in a tiring defence. Firstly, Josh Hunt stepped his way through the defence to score. Shortly after, winger Joyner Key scored in the corner after impressive build-up play.
The momentum continued, as Mitchell Markov and reserve prop Vaughan Koopu scored quick tries to threaten an unlikely victory.
However, Norths kept their composure. Another bullocking run from Hayman led to a second try to Mellars-Rose to secure the result.
Norths final try generated the biggest roar from the crowd, as big prop Johnwhite Silva cleverly regathered a grubber kick to score under the posts.
Norths deserved this victory, their scrum was dominant and their powerful ball-runners allowed them to control the game for most periods.
Upper Hutt were strong with ball in hand although they left their run too late.
Harper Lock Shield
In the Premier Reserve competition, Avalon have beaten Johnsonville 38-24; while Tawa have narrowly beaten Poneke 29-25. In other results, OBU have beaten Wainuiomata 31-26; while Norths have comfortably beaten Upper Hutt 38-3. Finally, Ories defeated MSP 31-3; while Paremata beat Wellington 17-10; and HOBM narrowly beat Petone 19-17.
Women's Rugby
In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, Norths have beaten MSP 15-10 and OBU have comfortably beaten Wainuiomata 46-24.
In Women's Second Division action, Petone beat the recently relegated Hutt Old Boys Marist 34-0 and Paremata-Plimmerton have narrowly beaten Poneke 20-15.
Colts Competition
In the Les Mills Paris Memorial Trophy, Norths have beaten Upper Hutt 15-12, Tawa beat Poneke 31-26, and Petone beat Old Boys University Green 33-24. The match between Ories and MSP was postponed last night due to an issue with the lights at Te Whaea and will be now be played on Wednesday night.
In the JRD Cup, Paremata-Plimmerton have thrashed Wellington 65-10; while Wainuiomata have comfortably beaten OBU Black 34-10, and MSP B beat Kapiti 29-15. Finally, Johnsonville have beaten Avalon 19-7.
