Tawa Impress, While Poneke Flounder In Cup Opener

Tawa emerged from the mud after the first round of the Jubilee Cup as genuine title contenders with an impressive 20-point flogging of Hutt Old Boys Marist. Tawa took full toll on a 14-man HOBM, after the Hutt Valley side?s hard-man lock, Doug Power was sent from the field early in the first half. That aside, Tawa thoroughly outplayed HOBM in all departments, and given the fact that they are unlikely to lose any players to NPC duties come play-off time they must now fancy their chances for Cup glory.

All three of the other opening games were much more keenly contested affairs though, with multiple champions Marist St. Pats the other team to stamp their mark early on. MSP outplayed Avalon, scoring three unanswered tries, with only the boot of first five Mano Flutey keeping Avalon in touch.

Meanwhile, Swindale Shield victors Petone and runners-up Poneke were pushed hard by Old-Boys University and Northern United respectively. Eighth placed qualifiers OBU almost upset Petone, before going down by a solitary point. It was business as usual for the Villagers when two quick tries gave them a 10-0 lead at halftime, before OBU fought back to draw level with 15 minutes remaining, but Petone managed to scrape home.

There was no such luck for Poneke though, as they went down to Norths in a hard fought low scoring game at Kilbirnie Park, the scene of this week?s feature match. Poneke only had themselves to blame for losing this game, as they had an overwhelming advantage in both possession and territory throughout, and they let slip several clear scoring chances, especially late in the first spell, when Norths? blindside Fono Salu was cooling off in the sin bin. Treacherous underfoot conditions and a biting wind ensured they were never going to run away with it, but Poneke?s execution close to the line was woeful.

Norths though, never gave up in the face of the continuous onslaught as they produced a massive defensive effort. Norths repeatedly repelled Poneke?s attacks, with openside Tui Meavao turning the ball over with regularity and the super-committed tight five contesting rucks and breakdowns with excellent cohesion

Norths led 6-3 at halftime, two penalties to one. Rising loose forward stars Serge Lilo and Faifili Levave were bought on for Norths after the break and both had blinders, leading the defensive effort from the front, ensuring David Holwell was effectively a bystander when he came on in the 50th minute. Norths fullback Daniel Bone also excelled, with a mistake-free effort at the back.

In the dying stages Poneke were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, which, if they had kicked it would have drawn them level to 6-6. Instead they elected for a scrum to go for the win, but were unable to score the try and Norths came away with the points.