Fraser Tech 58 - Hinuera 5
Fraser Tech continued their winning streak, which has now reached eight games, with a comfortable 53-point win over bottom of the table Hinuera.
While Hinuera had their moments in an entertaining and open match at Elliot Park, Tech always had control and the win
takes them level with Hamilton Marist at the top of the table.
The hosts signalled their intentions early, scoring in just the third minute through prop Misi Fonua, but Hinuera responded with a try of their own just two minutes later when hooker Dion Sylvester burst through the Tech defensive line.
The blue and whites were quickly back in control, however, and scored another three tries in 10 minutes, two to wing Shaun O'Connor and one to second five Brett O'Connor, as the bonus point was wrapped up within the first quarter.
After the initial onslaught Hinuera settled down and kept Tech at bay for a while, but hooker Jamie Vette and centre Glen Robinson both scored late in the first half to stretch the lead to 38-5 at the break.
Shaun O'Connor completed his hat-trick shortly after halftime before Hinuera enjoyed their best period of the match, denying Tech possession and showing good ball control, but couldn't make much of a dent in the Tech defence.
It wasn't until the final quarter that Tech scored again with wing Jimmy Horsford, prop Latu Talakai and replacement forward Nathan Sundie all dotting down to complete the rout.
Although the class between the sides was obvious, Hinuera earned respect for their tough showing in the second half, but Tech's ability to launch attacking movements from deep in their own half was the highlight of the match and something Hinuera simply couldn't contain.
The best players for Tech were try scoring wing O'Connor and Robertson on his return from injury, while first five Toby O'Reilly and lock Andrew Tiddy had strong games for Hinuera.
Match photos: Waikato Rugby Flickr
Hamilton Old Boys 16 - Hautapu 5
Hamilton Old Boys chalked up another win to keep in touch with the top two, downing Hautapu in a tight encounter at Fred Jones Park.
The two teams scored one try each, with flanker Damian Bardoul dotting down for Old Boys and fullback Bauro Kairaoi scoring late in the match for the visitors.
But Old Boys' stout defence, and the goal kicking of fullback Kane Adams, proved to be the difference between the sides.
University 42 - Morrinsville Sports 20
University expressed just how much improvement they have made this season with an entertaining seven tries to four victory over Morrinsville Sports at Campbell Park.
The students have played an attractive brand of rugby all season which was on display to full effect at Morrinsville in a complete team performance.
Morrinsville played their part in the match too, getting four tries to earn a bonus point, but couldn't stop the onslaught from the University attack, particular in the second half.
Otorohanga 29 - Melville 8
In a typical Otorohanga performance at Island Reserve the home side played steady rugby and used their size and speed when the opportunity arose to put points on the board.
Otorohanga ran in five tries in all, with prop Ted Tauroa and outside back Rupeni Seduadua both getting doubles, to earn another five points and stay in fourth spot.
Melville pressed hard throughout the match but only managed a first half try to prop Johnny Tu'ungafasi and a second half penalty to first five Logan Fisher.
Te Awamutu Sports 22 - Hamilton Marist 8
In probably the biggest upset of the season Te Awamutu Sports knocked off undefeated Hamilton Marist at Albert Park.
Te Awamutu, hungry after a disappointing loss to Fraser Tech the previous week, looked up for the game from the first whistle, and tries to backs Leon Emery, Ryan Meacheam and Semisi Fotu helped them on their way to a huge win.
Marist were unusually flat, scoring just one try to young centre Niko Malo, and will be hoping this performance was a once off, as they face in-form Fraser Tech next weekend.
