Rugby: Unbeaten University destroy sorry Pakuranga

Adam Siddall kicks in a 38-0 win for Varsity. Photo / Getty Images

AUCKLAND

University scored a stunning 38-0 home victory over Pakuranga yesterday to retain the Fred Allen Challenge Cup.

The match between the two top teams was expected to be close but it was all over at halftime after Varsity produced a near-flawless performance to lead 17-0.

Outstanding halfback Dave Ormrod opened the scoring after some smart work from Grayson Schiphorst, before livewire winger Unaloto Pita beat three defenders to score in the corner after a fluid backline move. Excellent goalkicking from first-five Adam Siddall created a match-winning lead.

Pakuranga struggled to make any inroads into Varsity's defence, well marshalled by young flanker Nepia Fox-Matamua and Manu Samoan centre Jamie Helleur.

Pita scored his second try early in the second spell and Pakuranga were helpless to stop Varsity's charge over the last 20 minutes, when Schiphorst and centre Teimana Mohi both scored.

Grammar Carlton join Varsity as the only unbeaten teams after a 30-12 win over Te Papa-Mt Wellington, while Ponsonby move into third after beating Waitakere City by 45-8. Marist scored an upset 25-17 win away at Papatoetoe, College Rifles dispatched Eden 41-30, and Waitemata beat Otahuhu 25-17.

Teachers Eastern held on over East Tamaki 37-28 while Suburbs won 35-14 over Manukau Rovers.

- Peter White

NORTH HARBOUR

Matt Clark proved to be the undoing of his old club, Silverdale, when he played a key role for Northcote in the main North Harbour premier rugby match yesterday. Clark, having played for Silverdale for several seasons, switched to Northcote this season. His steady play at first five-eighths and his consistent goal-kicking was the big difference yesterday in a closely fought match.

Northcote won 23-15, despite being outscored three tries to two, but whereas Silverdale missed several shots at goal, Clark converted both of Northcote's tries and added another three penalty goals.

It was a notable win for Northcote, due not only to the boot of Clark but some excellent play in the forwards, with the two sons of former All Black captain Gary Whetton (William and Jack) having leading roles, particularly with their pace with ball in hand.

Silverdale's loss meant they surrendered the table lead to Massey and Western Pioneers, both of whom scored bonus points wins, 56-28 and 41-14 over East Coast Bays and Marist respectively. North Shore moved past Silverdale with a crushing 80-0 win over Mahurangi and Takapuna produced another lopsided scoreline, 81-8 over Glenfield. That means the championship table has become extremely congested, with only five points separating the top six sides.

Ben Botica converted 10 of Shore's tries in their big win to go past 100 points for the season after just six rounds. Massey's Richard Lobb was another to have a field day with his boot. With 33 points from six penalties, five conversions and a try, he also has already exceeded the century.

- Lindsay Knight