Old Boys University Clear At The Top

Round 2 Review The second round of the Hardham Cup now has three unbeaten teams with Old Boys University continuing their return to form with a big win over Northern United (46-21). For the first time this season OBU are leading the bunch, ahead on 10 points. Closely following are Hutt Old Boys Marist who narrowly beat Oriental-Rongotai in the feature match of the weekend. Petone just managed to pip Marist St Pats 31-26 taking their second win of the Hardham Cup. Johnsonville bounced back from their loss against HOBM downing Poneke 53-10.

HOBM made it two from two beating Ories 10-5 in the feature match on Saturday. This encounter was a lot closer than their previous meeting with an evenly matched 80 minutes. An early penalty gave HOBM first points, followed by a well worked backline move, putting Wilson Felo into a gap giving his side a 10-0 lead in the first half. Ories didn?t cross the line until early in the second half through star player Roy Kinikinilau.

Ories applied tremendous pressure for the entire second half coming close to scoring on numerous occasions. However HOBM?s huge defence saved the game as Ories were camped on their goal line for substantial periods of the second half without managing to score.

A stand out player for HOBM was the number 8 Leo Auva?a who is a force to be reckoned with when running the ball. He gained a lot of ground for his side breaking many tackles along the way helping the team in their narrow victory. Mike Kingsbeer?s kicking was also instrumental in his side?s win, with a conversion and early penalty.