Poneke secure vital win against MSP
Round 8 of the Swindale Shield has thrown up some interesting results.
Poneke managed to hold-off a late MSP onslaught to secure a crucial 29-27 win. The away side were all over MSP in the first half, with the centre-pairing of Ivan Vaisagote and Levi Harmon causing havoc.
However, MSP came out a different team in the second-half. An impressive try to Mike Buckley sparked his side into action. Three unanswered tries gave the home side a real chance of victory. Late in the game, MSP had a chance to win the game with a long-range penalty, however it sailed wide allowing Poneke to take a crucial victory.
Norths have thrashed Wainuiomata 36-5 in a bonus-point win. The home side were dominant throughout and comfortably managed to handle Wainui's big ball-runners and imposing pack.
Ories fans will be delighted 32-11 bonus-point win against OBU. The home side's ease of victory will send a strong message to all other teams. OBU will be disappointed with the result, given their excellent form heading into this clash.
In other results, HOBM have beaten Wellington 49-16; Tawa have continued their resurgence with a 48-10 victory against Avalon. Finally, Petone have beaten Paremata-Plimmerton 38-12.
Extended Report: Upper Hutt Rams v Johnsonville
The Upper Hutt Rams have comfortably secured a 35-14 bonus-point victory against a valiant Johnsonville side.
The knock-out blow came early in the second-half. Upper Hutt won a tight-head scrum, allowing Josh Brown to charge up-field. Shortly after, a perfectly-timed pass from Jayden Treviranus set-up Max Pearson for his second try. This gave Upper Hutt an unassailable 28-7 lead.
The first-half was an evenly-fought battle. The home side were the first to score, after an impressive run by Pearson allowed flanker Daniel Schrijvers to crash over the line.
Johnsonville responded quickly, when a charge-down allowed Levi Grace to gather the loose ball and score. However, the see-saw battle continued after impressive number-eight Brown charged his way over the line off the back of a dominating scrum.
The away side were enterprising on attack, led by elusive fullback Jacob Walmsley whose sharp sidestep frequently split open the defence. The pressure was clearly taking its toll, after Upper Hutt's halfback Paddy Gluck was yellow-carded. However, the away side were unable to capitalise and Upper Hutt led 13-7 at the break.
The early stages of the second-half belonged to Upper Hutt, as they scored 15 unanswered points to put the match beyond doubt. After an early Upper Hutt penalty, concerted pressure allowed Pearson to score his first try.
Upper Hutt tightened the screws again, when their dominant scrum led to Pearson's second try. The home side capitalised on a tired defence, led by powerful number-eight Josh Brown who ran strongly throughout.
However, Johnsonville refused to give in and they continued to run hard at the defiant Upper Hutt defence. Eventually, after concerted pressure reserve Simi Navoka battered his way over the line.
Upper Hutt secured the bonus-point when reserve hooker Morgan Tilbin broke a tackle to score near the posts.
This was a well-deserved win for Upper Hutt, who will benefit from a hard hit-out against a tough Johnsonville team.
Colts Competition
In the Paris Memorial Trophy, MSP beat Poneke 16-9; OBU Green won against Ories 18-15. While het Upper Rams beat Tawa 29-12 and Petone thrashed Norths 51-0.
In Division Two, HOBM thrashed Wellington 65-5; while Kapiti overcame Avalon 22-10. Finally, Paremata-Plimmerton beat OBU Black 53-5.
Women's Rugby
In the Fleurs Trophy, Norths have thrashed HOBM 71-7; while Ories have continued their dominance with a 64-5 win against Wainui. In Division Two, Petone secured a 27-10 win against Paremata-Plimmerton and MSP beat Tawa 45-7.
