Wainui Still On Top As Upper Hutt And Ories Dominate Round Four

Convincing performances by Upper Hutt and Oriental-Rongotai and the continued ascendancy of Wainuiomata were the highlights of a heavy-ground affected round four of the Hardham Cup. Upper Hutt trounced Northern United 66-7 at Maidstone Park and Ories comfortably dispatched struggling Johnsonville 36-3 at the Polo Ground. Upper Hutt and Ories both are shaping as the teams to beat as the business end of the season approaches. But it is Wainuiomata who continue to lead the standings after they enjoyed another bonus win against Hutt Old Boys Marist 32-18 at Mary Crowther Park in Wainuiomata.
This was one of two ground changes and one change of field as the wild midweek weather impacted on Wellington club rugby across all grades. Western Suburbs and Poneke had their ground changed from Kilbirnie Park to up the road at the home ground of the Wellington Club, Haitaitai Park, with Wests running out 19-7 winners and maintaining their course for the semi-finals.

Upper Hutt continued their imperious attacking form with a comprehensive silencing of Norths. Upper Hutt ran in ten tries, with first five eighth Ben Aoina and left wing Sam Williamson both getting hat tricks. Aoina added eight conversions for a personal tally of 31 points, the most this season, surpassing HOBM's Jonathan Bentley's 30 points last month, and elevating Aoina to the top of the season points scoring list.

Wainuiomata's victory over HOBM was their fourth in succession as they march on towards achieving premier status next year. But with Ories, Wests and Upper Hutt still to play in the final three weeks of round robin, the door is still ajar for Johnsonville to keep them out. However on the evidence of this week's feature game, they are fast treading water, after being beaten by Ories six tries to none in an outstanding display by the home side.

With the very strong Northerly wind heading through the Polo Ground, the first half was always going to be important for both sides. Ories had first use of the wind and made all the play, with a brilliant opening 20 minutes to lead 19-nil. The opening points came through a try to prop forward Eddie Leiataua, busting over the line under the posts, after some strong forward play deep in Johnsonville's half. The next two tries came within five minutes of each other, Johnsonville letting themselves down with turnovers and Ories taking advantage. Left-winger Andre Pakau scored the first of his three tries breaking through some ordinary defence and Johnsonville were just hanging on for the remainder of the first half. With a 19-nil score line they still had a chance in this match with the wind behind them in the second half.

Some classy play from Ories' halfback Peme Leiataua gave the home side a solid platform to work from in the second half. Playing into the Northerly, Ories' patience and tactics wore down the Johnsonville side. The turning point of the match was when big Bill Cavubati was sin-binned mid-way through the second half for a high tackle. Ories upped their play, scoring two tries with Cavubati off the park, one to right wing Paulo Aukuso and a second to Pakau. Johnsonville kept trying, but lacked the composure and class to really threaten Ories. Ories' strong defence throughout the second half led to the final try to Pakau, who intercepted a pass and ran 80 metres for his hat trick.

This performance from Ories will give them great confidence going into next week's top of the table clash with Wainuiomata. While for Johnsonville, the likelihood of making the top four this season is hanging in the balance.