"While we're disappointed with the result it was a better performance than what we produced in our close win against MAC last week. But at the same time we've still got plenty to work on," Pirate manager Charles Reid said.
Prop Kelsey Miller and openside flanker Ryan Gardiner were tireless workers in the host pack. Experienced second five-eighth Matt Hill shone in the Pirate backline.
Clive 52 MAC 15
Magpie Jonah Lowe scored four tries for K9 Petfoods Clive in this Farndon Park drubbing.
Lowe started the game at fullback and switched to centre with 25 minutes remaining. Clive head coach Blair Cross was thrilled with the manner the hosts put the previous week's 40-10 loss to Tech behind them.
Powerful No 8 Api Sione was outstanding against his former club. Blindside flanker Beau Tresidder, in his first season back after a season off, and loosehead prop Nathan Bruce also provided plenty of oomph to the riversiders engine room. Midfielder Duff Penitito joined Lowe as the best of the Clive backs.
First five-eighth Tom Iosefo, who scored all of the visitors points before before leaving the field with an injury, substitute lock Damien Menhennet and hooker Ropeti Lafo were MAC's best.
Tech 52 Tamatea 5
Tamatea head coach Matt Marsh said his troops got a "reality check" with this walloping at Bill Mathewson Park.
"Tech were very polished. They had a forward pack which kept going forward and our squad was exposed," Marsh said.
"Yes everything clicked for us and the boys stuck to their structures. We didn't allow Tamatea to get going which was a credit to our defensive effort because they have some very good backs," Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical manager Cyril Whitburn said.
Loosies Isaiah Martin and Kaleb Sweet had huge workrates in the visiting pack and second five-eighth Ted Walters was constructive and destructive as required.
Lock Ivan Bellamy was accurate at lineout time and tighthead prop Mason Kean had memorable patches in the Tamatea pack. First five-eighth Ash Robinson-Bartlett was the best of the hosts' backs.
Hastings 32 Taradale 7
Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports co-manager James Rosenberg heaped kudos on his forward pack after this Elwood Park victory.
"Our forwards dominated particularly at set piece time and there was major improvement from the entire team after last week's loss to Havelock," Rosenberg said.
Lock Ben Parsons, who scored two tries, flankers Fale Matamata and Ben Hamelink and New Zealand under-20s No 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u all featured on Rosenberg's MVP list.
Taradale club captain Stu Cruden said the previously unbeaten maroons struggled to put phases together.
"We tried to work off one-phase ball where as Hastings managed five or six phases."
Carters Frame and Truss Taradale's halfback-first five-eighth combination of Karl Hewitt and Yoshihito Sato combined well. Prop Ellery Tareha was busy in the maroons pack.
NOBM 40 Havelock 12
Nash Cup and Maddison Trophy holders Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist retained the Hawke's Bay Challenge Shield with this surprisingly convincing win at Park Island.
"I know we haven't seen the likes of Taradale and Tech yet but it will be tough to see those blokes being beaten this season," Progressive Meats Havelock North manager Conrad Waitoa said.
His troops received a grilling for turning down an easy three points when they trailed 14-5. Suporters of the villagers were stunned when their side opted for a lineout which they lost after previously losing two earlier throws.
The hosts oosed class from one to 22. Impressive ball carrier, No 8 Joseph Penitito, again proved he is ready for a Magpies recall while prop Jarvy Aoake and flanker Chris Johnston were also inspirational in a rampant pack. First five-eighth Johnny Lauano again controlled play well.
Lock Phil McRoberts battled above his weight in the losing pack in which substitute flanker Jonty Strong provided valuable impact to. Halfback Isaac Paewai shone with his service while his cousin and centre Jesse Paewai mde the most of limited opportunities.
