Rugby: Halfback's stint proof he's still the boss

Napier Pirate No 8 Marcus Donovan, left, and Hastings Rugby and Sports lock Tom Parsons contest lineout possession during Hastings' 39-23 win at Elwood Park on Saturday. Photo/Glenn Taylor

Chris Eaton issued a warning to his Hawke's Bay Magpies deputies as Taradale recorded their first premier men's rugby win against Havelock North in four seasons on Saturday.

"I'm still the No1 halfback and the others are chasing me," Eaton said after Carters Frame and Truss Taradale's home Tui Nash Cup 37-15 victory against Progressive Meats Havelock North.

Eaton's player-of-the-match performance backed up that statement. Dynamic around the fringes, former Hurricane Eaton, 30, created huge holes, either for himself or his support runners and it's obvious he wants more than his three 2013 ITM Cup starting XV appearances for the Magpies this season.

"I was unlucky to get a niggly injury last season and Alby [Mathewson] played quite well. I still haven't heard if Alby will be back this season ... hopefully he does return from Aussie as good competition brings out the best in both of us."

A former Havelock player, who has been with Taradale since 2007, Eaton, said it was a polished team effort from the unbeaten Mighty Maroons who boast plenty of depth this season. Flankers Tom Stanley and Andrew Gardner and hooker Mike Feagai were a powerful trio in the winning pack and centre Leafi Tupuola was constructive in a cohesive Taradale backline.

"They shut us out and we made too many errors," Havelock co-coach Luke Ottley said.

"Five of their six tries were scored from our turnovers and our defence was pretty average," he added.

Busy No8 Tony Lamborn and winger Mikey Vuicakau were the best of the defending champions.

Central 32 MAC 28

Give the prize for the loudest dressing room of the round to Northfuels Central.

Their room was so roudy after this upset at Central Park, Waipukurau co-coach Rob Evans had to wander almost 20 metres away before he could relay match details. The victory deserved to be celebrated as MAC led 28-25 with the final few seconds of injury time remaining when fullback Dan McIntyre sparked a counter attack from deep inside the hosts half and linked up with winger Harry de Lautour who sprinted off to score the matchwinning try.

"It was a good team effort ... we're pretty stoked," Evans said.

Hooker Liam O'Dowd, McIntyre and de Lautour all made Central's MVP list. Prop Clinton Vaiusu and lock John Te Ngaio battled effectively in the MAC pack while winger Noa Uaisele, first five-eighth Colin Hokianga and centre Caelym Box were the pick of the visiting backs.

Hastings 39 Pirate 23

IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports co-coach Karl Jones praised the gradual improvement of the hosts' forward pack after this Elwood Park victory.

Prop Jason Long, who played a half on each side of the scrum before dashing off to race in the East Coast Superstock Championship at Meeanee, joined flanker Jack Crasborn and lock Tom Parsons as the workhorses in the winning pack. Fullback James Rosenberg and the midfield combination of Ausange Fomai and Mike Ward operated well in the winning backline.

Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports co-coach Terrence Taylor said numerous little mistakes let his troops down. Winger Bryn Uriarau and first five-eighth David Neilson shone in the Pirate backline while lock Matt Brown and hooker Hamish Willis were tireless workers in the visiting pack.

NOBM 52 Clive 10

Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist returned to the winning path in style with this Park Island win.

Blindside flanker Pouvi "Three Lungs" Fatialofa captured player-of-match honours for the hosts with a devastating 80 minute performance.

Fellow loosies Sean Watts and Joseph Penitito were also prominent in the NOBM pack.

Experienced winger Migao Lauano and second five-eighth Asa Ene were outstanding in the winning backline after below par displays the previous week against MAC.

Veteran lock Sven Hogenesch, No.8 Adam Jones and flanker James Tango impressed with their never-say-die approach for Clive.

Tech 41 Tamatea 7

Tamatea co-coach Aaron Painter rued his troops error count in this Whitmore Park loss.

"Our boys are still learning you can't make mistakes at premier level which you can get away with in the development grade," Painter said.

"We lost ball at crucial times but there were positives like the improvement in our lineout play. Props Iese Mulitalo and Bai Bai had memorable patches in the losing pack while Fano Asolua did well in both the centre and halfback positions for Tamatea.

Loosies Trent Boswell-Wakefield and Martin Taumata were among Tech's best. . .