Club Rugby: Marist win secures premier one rugby next season

Auckland

Marist made sure they weren't about to be relegated by beating Waitakere City 18-6 at Liston Park.

Marist went into this match against the second-best team in the championship knowing there was a chance they could end up in premier two.

And the propects of a Marist win didn't look great at halftime with Waitakere City leading 6-0. But two unanswered second-half tries ensured the much needed victory.

So Roskill Districts, who won only one of their nine premier one first round matches, and Te Papapa Onehunga are now consigned to the premier two.

Te Papapa Onehunga had to beat Grammar Carlton yesterday to have any hope of staying up. The task proved too much, however, Grammar Carlton winning 34-10.

Meanwhile, Ponsonby beat Roskill Districts 20-5, Pakuranga won 16-0 over East Tamai and University edged Otahuhu 27-21.

Counties

Manukau Patumahoe retained top spot with a deserved 17-0 win at Karaka yesterday. The Patumahoe pack has been the best forward unit in this round and this match was no different.

Loose forwards Haani Halacua and Jay Lo Stephens were dynamic in defence, while props Paoloa Taula and Fridge Mooney showed they possess skills as well as size.

Fullback Pugsy Arthur scored all 10 first-half points, including a try off a great flat pass from New Zealand under-19 second-five Male Sa'u.

Karaka had limited scoring opportunities and wasted attacking chances by kicking away possession. A Kane Hancy try was the highlight of a stop-start second half.

Ardmore Marist's poor recent run ended with a 22-6 win at Pukekohe. Their forwards led the way, particularly prop Roger Fua'aletoelau. Manurewa downed Waiuku 25-12 in the other premier match.

North Harbour

Zar Lawrence made a spectacular return to premier rugby, coming off the bench to score four second-half tries in Takapuna's 38-3 rout of Silverdale. The Harbour winger and national sevens representative had not played this year due to a groin injury.

Yesterday's other talking point was Mahurangi's 16-15 upset of Marist. The second-placed side outscored Mahurangi three tries to one but could not blame poor goalkicking for the loss after being outplayed for much of the game.

Leaders Helensville maintained their unbeaten record with a 14-12 win over Northcote. A late drop goal appeared to have given Northcote victory but Joel Nasmith finally nailed a late penalty for Helensville.

Defending champions Massey continued their strong recent run with a 34-10 victory over Glenfield. North Shore were held for much of the game by an improved East Coast Bays side but still won 21-13.