Club Rugby: Waitemata crash out of top 4

AUCKLAND

Replacement first five-eighths Kelekolio Hifo racked up 22 points to inspire second-placed Grammar Carlton to a resounding 52-24 win over Waitemata in Henderson.

With Auckland pivot Ash Moeke out with an injured foot, Hifo showed his attacking skills and goalkicking ability as the visitors sent Waitemata crashing out of the top four.

Loosehead prop Arnold Fatu Nu'u scored the opening try yesterday to give Waitemata a short-lived early lead before a succession of mistakes and poor defence gifted the first half momentum to Grammar Carlton. Hifo, outstanding lock Nili Moala and No8 Mua Fa'anunu all scored tries, as Grammar Carlton went to halftime ahead 30-5.

They struck early in the second spell when young centre Louis Maxwell crossed for a well taken try after captain Grayson Hart handled three times in the movement.

Tighthead prop Ivan Nola crashed over for Waitemata to close the gap to 35-10 but Moala's second of the game ended Waitemata's chances.

Grammar Carlton's powerhouse prop Paea Fa'anunu dominated the second spell scrums and helped himself to a late try, before winger Thomas Timani finished off a slick move to bring up 50 points.

Waitemata did manage two late tries but will be disappointed after such a poor showing.

Elsewhere, College Rifles beat East Tamaki 37-13 to move into the top four of the Alan McEvoy Trophy for the first time in years. University continued their good form to beat Waitakere City 28-16 to move into third place.

Gareth Arlidge's goalkicking was the difference as Pakuranga defeated an ill-disciplined Te Papapa-Mt Wellington side 40-19, while unbeaten Ponsonby cruised past Papatoetoe 60-17 to stay on top of the table. Suburbs were beaten 55-26 by Otahuhu to stay bottom of the table after eighth straight losses.

- Peter White

NORTH HARBOUR

First five-eighths Ben Botica, blooded into representative rugby last year, helped himself to another scoring spree as North Shore thumped old rivals Takapuna 39-9 in North Harbour's feature premier club rugby match yesterday.

Botica scored 24 points from two tries, four conversions and two penalties as Shore produced some splendid running rugby after earlier being down 0-9. Also impressive in the Shore backline was the pacy young wing Alyx Hodgson, who scored one spectacular try.

Once again Takapuna relied on the boot of Jon Elrick for their points and have scored just one try in their last four matches. Their hopes of maintaining their long grip on the Harbour premiership do not look bright at present, particularly with Shore and Northcote in top form.

Northcote kept their first round championship lead and unbeaten record when, on a heavy pitch, the Mayhew brothers, Richard and Mike, led the side's pack to a 17-0 win over Glenfield. Only one try was scored. Mike Harris kicked four penalties for Northcote.

Silverdale defended the Country Cup for the 15th consecutive time with a 34-18 win over Mahurangi, the competition's most improved side. Mahurangi might have got much closer to Silverdale but for some poor goalkicking.

Marist battled to a 29-25 win over Massey in a tense match which was always in the balance. Promising loose forward Richard Haddon scored a crucial try for Marist but will be lost for the next four rounds to the New Zealand colts side and its international tournament.

Helensville was left in bottom spot, but produced an improved effort and showed plenty of spirit in going down to East Coast Bays 33-20. Andy Henley scored two of Bays' four tries which earned the side a bonus point.

- Lindsay Knight