Lilo Stars as Norths Surge To Three-Point Jubilee Lead

Round 4 Review Returning Northern United openside flanker Serge Lilo played a leading hand in his side?s triumphant victory over Upper Hutt in their top-of-the-table round four Jubilee Cup clash on Saturday. In a narrow contest, characterised by outstanding defence from both teams, New Zealand Colts tearaway Lilo was consistently first to the breakdowns, where he led a committed Norths pack to a popular win at home at Porirua Park, and to a three-point lead at the top of the points table.

This result also sees Petone leapfrog Upper Hutt into second, after the Villagers bounced straight back from losing to them last week with a comfortable win over Avalon. Marist St. Pats brushed aside struggling Western Suburbs and now hold fourth spot, while Tawa beat Poneke to head the chasers with three rounds to go.

It was Norths who deserved all the kudos in this week?s feature game. Their forwards were on-song in attacking Upper Hutt in the set pieces and with their cohesion around the field. Playing with the keen southerly at their backs, Norths made all the running in the opening 20 minutes. Dominating territory and possession, only desperate Upper Hutt defence kept Norths out. They went close to scoring two tries early on, with first halfback Lua Vaoloaloa held up over the line, and then left wing Sinoti To?omaga just bundled into touch - before centre Siaosi Anamani burst through the midfield and scored under the posts in the 18th minute.

From the kick-off Upper Hutt finally won some field position and worked their way into the game. Second five-eighth Cory Aporo was unsuccessful with two difficult penalty attempts and they were also able to put pressure on the Norths line. However Norths second five-eighth Tamati Ellison kicked a penalty on halftime and Norths went to the break leading 10-0.

Both sides were intent on keeping the ball alive in the second half, which made for a frantic, open game. Both spent long periods on attack, but neither could find a way through. Aporo slotted a 45th minute penalty for Upper Hutt and the difference remained a converted try for the next half hour of play. Then, with five minutes to play, Upper Hutt struck back with playmaker and first five-eighth Cory Jane. After numerous phases of patient attack, Jane ran through a shortside hole, and found halfback Alby Mathewson, who dashed in close to score. Aporo had a chance to lock it up 10-10, but missed his conversion from almost in front, giving Norths their fourth win in the Cup.

At Lyndhurst Park Tawa made it two wins in a row when they held off Poneke. Tawa led early, but three penalties to first five-eighth Brad Cooper gave the red-and-blacks a 9-7-halftime lead at the break. Two quick tries immediately after the break to Tawa stunned Poneke and gave them an important win. It was a similar scenario at Fraser Park, where Avalon and Petone were locked in an arm-wrestle for 55 minutes. Then Petone turned the 3-3 scoreline into 17-3 with two tries and it was game over. MSP first five-eighth Sam Rasch made the most of his team?s makeshift home ground advantage at Evans Bay Park with a 19-point haul and a faultless kicking record against Wests, while right wing Dan Stemp was the other benefactor in finishing off both MSP?s tries.

Jubilee Cup top try scorers

Evan Belford (Poneke) 10
Junior Togia (Tawa) 8
Willie Moala (Petone) 7
Vila Apu'ula(Avalon) 7
Siaosi Anamani (Norths) 7
Thomas Waldrom (Avalon) 6
Dan Stemp (MSP) 8
Tristan Meo (Wests) 5
T Umaga-Marshall (Petone) 5
Steve McColl (Poneke) 6
Rob Aloe (Norths) 5
Patolo Patelesio (Norths) 5
Chris Puketapu (Upper Hutt) 5
Brad Baker (Upper Hutt) 5
Willie Lafaele (Tawa) 5
Shaun O'Conner (Poneke) 4
Misiluni Moananu (Poneke) 4
JP Tocker (MSP) 4
Jack Tarrant (Wests) 4
Hirini Robin (Tawa) 4

Jubilee Cup top points scorers

Scott Leighton (Wests) 162
Brad Cooper (Poneke) 151
Sam Rasch (MSP) 149
Cameron Cross (Avalon) 87
Gene Johnston (Tawa) 87
Ben Aoina (Upper Hutt) 85
Riki Flutey (Petone) 74
Cory Aporo (Upper Hutt) 65
Willie Lafaele (Tawa) 62
Rob Aloe (Norths) 58
Evan Belford (Poneke) 0
Steve McColl (Poneke) 46
Fa'atonu Fili (MSP) 42
Junior Togia (Tawa) 40
Dan Stemp (MSP) 40
Tamati Ellison (Norths) 37
Peato Lafaele (Norths) 35
Willie Moala (Petone) 35
V Apu?ula (Avalon) 35
Siaosi Anamani (Norths) 35