Rugby: Last-gasp try secures victory for University

University took the honours in the opening round of the Alan McEvoy Memorial Trophy with a last-gasp 23-17 win over Marist at Liston Park yesterday.

With three minutes to go Marist led 17-16 when individual brilliance from University's Brenton Helleur stole the show. Picked originally at fullback, Helleur moved to his preferred position of halfback for the last crucial moments of the game and bamboozled the Marist defence with a powerful, angled run to the line from the base of a scrum.

Helleur's decisive burst was the highlight of the scoring action in a typically scrappy early season game, dominated by basic handling errors and rusty combinations.

The players struggled to come to terms with referee Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri's strict interpretation of the tackled ball, and three players were sent to the sin bin.

University had first use of a strong breeze, dominating territory and possession, but struggled to break down the tenacious Marist defence well marshalled by halfback Jeff McKinney.

After 21 minutes, outstanding loosehead prop Pauliasi Manu crashed over after a succession of rucks near Marist's line for the only try of the half. His single-handed demolition of the Marist front row was a feature of the set-piece battle.

Brad Linklater's boot gave University a 13-0 lead at the break but Marist's impressive left winger Jordan Hyland scored twice in the opening 14 minutes of the second spell.

English import Piers Francis had a hand in both tries and the classy first-five impressed with his punting, goal kicking and sharp running.

Linklater kicked a penalty with five minutes remaining to get within a point of Marist before Helleur's brilliant break ended the home crowd's hopes of retaining the Dave Grace Memorial Trophy.

In other games, the inside back combination of Grayson Hart and Ash Moeke dominated as Grammar Carlton continued their fine early season form with a 45-9 win over East Tamaki, while defending champions Ponsonby thrashed Suburbs 92-0.

Otahuhu, under the astute coaching of Luke Mealamu, are expected to do well in 2010 and they started the season well with their impressive forward pack paving the way for a 38-13 victory over Manukau.

At North Harbour, Massey upset Takapuna 20-15 with the Pisi brothers (Ken and George) among the tries while Northcote pipped Marist, Silverdale just hung on against East Coast Bays and North Shore thumped Helensville 51-13.