Poneke hold on to keep Jubilee Cup hopes alive
It's been another thrilling day of rugby across all grades, with plenty of tries and a few upsets on a chilly Saturday afternoon.
Swindale Shield
In a major result, Poneke have held on to beat Petone 23-19 in a thrilling match. The final ten minutes was all Petone, as they continually bashed away at a committed Poneke defence near the goal-line. Poneke put their bodies on the line and desperately held on to win.
The try of the match came when Poneke Prop Hennie Tui charged 20 metres and broke away from multiple tacklers to score. The big ball-runner was immense with ball-in-hand throughout the game. Other big performances for the winning side were No.8 Galu Taufale and lock Cole Stewart, who were both industrious.
Other results saw Marist St Pats trounce Norths 50-14 and OBU return to winning ways with a 39-24 win against a tough Upper Hutt side. Wellington have secured another tight win, with a 32-31 win over Avalon; while Wainuiomata comfortably beat Johnsonville 36-7. Finally, Tawa have trashed Paremata-Plimmerton 57-5.
Extended Feature Game: Hutt Old Boys Marist 42 v Ories 13
Hutt Old Boys Marist played to the conditions perfectly. Playing against a brisk southerly in the first half, the home side kept the ball in hand and tackled hard. They kept the pressure on in the second-half and ground out a big win.
HOBM got off to a great start, after scoring down the left side only minutes into the game. Ories quickly replied with a try in the corner off a driving maul. However, Hutt Old Boys Marist quickly regrouped and scored two further tries and a penalty to lead 22-8 at the break. The home side deserved their lead, as they held onto the bulk of possession and territory.
HOBM kept the pressure on in the second-half and converted a penalty to increase their lead. However, Ories refused to give in and scored a try of their own, after openside Tukia Purcell showed an impressive fend to break away and score in the corner.
The home side kept their composure and issued the knock-out blow midway through the second-half. Off a lineout drive, Jared Woodward burrowed under to seal the upset win.
Despite their comfortable lead, HOBM continued to apply pressure. They maintained excellent defence and conceded very few line-breaks. Concerted pressure led to a second try to Opetera Peleseuma to round off a great performance.
Harper Lock Shield
In the Premier Reserve competition, Avalon have beaten Wellington 47-17; while OBU comfortably won against Upper Hutt 46-15. In other results; Norths secured a tight win against MSP 25-21, Poneke beat Petone 20-10, Tawa won against Paremata-Plimmerton 40-12, HOBM beat Ories 50-26 and Wainui win a tight contest with Johnsonville 41-35.
Women's Rugby
In the Victoria Tavern Trophy, Ories comfortably beat Wainui 29-0; while Norths beat OBU 36-10. Ories are going to be extremely tough to beat again, as they continue their major dominance.
In Women's Second Division action, Petone have beaten Poneke 15-10; while HOBM comfortably beat Tawa 31-0.
Colts Competition
In the Les Mills Paris Memorial Trophy, MSP have defeated Norths 34-24; while Upper Hutt beat OBU Green 13-5. In other results, Petone comfortably beat Poneke 43-10 and Tawa edged Ories 33-27.
In the JRD Cup, Wellington defeated Avalon 23-3; while Kapiti thrashed OBU Black 42-8.
