Ponies black and blue after victory

By GRAHAM REDDAWAY

Ponsonby's 31-13 victory over defending champions Otahuhu in the Gallaher Shield final was as much a triumph for coach Jack Huch as it was for any of his players.

Huch and assistant Dave Atkins were in charge of an under-prepared Ponsonby when Otahuhu won last season's final 24-13, but this time they had their side ready for the game of the year.

Significantly, they have also had Carlos Spencer fit and available since the end of the Super 12. His brilliance and experience showed in the lead-up matches, but were especially evident in the final.

It was a tough encounter, and there was plenty of blood spilt on Eden Park - mostly Ponsonby's. Centre Dale Rasmussen needed 10 stitches in his forehead at halftime, and team doctor Stephen Kara had at least four others needing his skills by the end of the game.

Otahuhu bumbled through the first half with poor handling and slowness in clearing the ball from secondary phases. Ponsonby's tight five, with locks Jason Chandler and Ali Williams in the forefront, dominated the rucks and mauls, and their service to halfback Kevin Senio meant he could give Spencer acres of space to weave his patterns. By halftime Ponsonby had the game sewn up at 28-6.

Spencer, who contributed 21 points, scored a classic try three minutes before the break.

The Williams brothers - fullback Paul, 19, and left wing Gavin, 21, both sons of All Black great Bryan Williams - were also menacing attackers.

Ponsonby previously won the shield in 1995 by beating Marist 10-9. Jeremy Stanley, who scored the only try of that game, earned his second winners' medal on Saturday when he came on for the Ponies in the second half. Also on the field in 1995 was Ponsonby skipper Bevan Leckner, but on that occasion in Marist colours.

Otahuhu found their ball skills in the second half and battled back strongly. A try for the red and blacks in the 49th minute by their best player, second five-eighths Terry Fanolua, rocked Ponsonby, but their defence responded.

University came back from 15-17 at the break to win the Jubilee Trophy 25-17 over Grammar Carlton.

Waitakere City's 42-33 defeat of Papatoetoe and the 6-6 draw between Eden and Tamaki has opened up the promotion-relegation series with a round to play.