Champion goalkicker Tupe Fanolua booted Otahuhu to an 18-11 victory over a depleted Grammar Carlton and booked his side's place in the Gallaher Shield finals with one match remaining.
The 24-year-old, last season's top points scorer, kicked six penalties from all over the ground, missing just one long-range shotwhich fell under the bar.
Grammar Carlton, without the finishing skills of Joeli Vidiri though influenza and Rocky Havili from injury, had New Zealand Colts centre Tane Tuipulotu in brilliant form, but several tries went begging when he made breaks which lacked support.
Grammar Carlton prop Paul Thomson burrowed under a pile of Otahuhu players in the first half for the only try of the match.
The Otahuhu defence, led by loose forwards Craig de Goldi, Gareth Palamo and Matele Misi, was solid.
Grammar Carlton flankers Semisi Naevo and Moe Tapueluelu also had sound games.
The loss of first five-eighths and playmaker Therii Rahui with severe concussion and neck injuries in the 24th minute had a profound affect on Suburbs' performance against University.
Rahui suffered the injury when he ran headlong into the University defence. The game was held up for 15 minutes and then transferred to the No 3 field at Avondale Racecourse while Rahui was receiving attention.
He was admitted to hospital and released yesterday.
University led 5-0 at the time. By the break, when the game returned to the main ground, they had added 12 points.
Despite a strong finish by Suburbs, the students won 31-19.
Ponsonby played near-perfect rugby around the brilliance of first five-eighths Carlos Spencer to beat a strong Marist side 30-6.
Waitemata played at three-quarter pace and allowed Tamaki into the game, but still won 31-10 to retain a chance of making the playoffs.
James Arlidge kicked six penalties in Pakuranga's 18-11 win over Eden, which may be enough to keep them in the first division next season.
Papatoetoe and Waitakere cemented places in the promotion-relegation series, with Teachers Eastern and Manukau looking likely to join them.
