11 April Results and Match Report

PREMIER ONE CHAMPIONSHIP

Massey 59 Marist 17
Western Pioneers 60 Silverdale 7
Takapuna 53 Mahurangi 35
East Coast Bays 35 North Shore 30
Glenfield 35 Northcote 24

With over 350 points scored across the five games, there was plenty of entertainment in North Harbour club rugby.

The Western-Silverdale match, whilst a 60-7 blowout on the scoreboard, showcased superb backline play by the Pioneers. Great ball skills, simple execution and serious pace saw the backs run in seven tries with a hat-trick to prolific wing Ritchie Ah Chong - one of the best on show. Silverdale had no answers to this impressive back division.

Against the form guide, East Coast Bays were deserved 35-30 winners against previously unbeaten North Shore. The visitors failed to take advantage of a strong breeze in the first half and trailed 15-17 at halftime. In the second spell, Bays made better use of the elements with young first five Matt Hodgson directing play well, with strong support in the midfield from former Bay of Plenty ITM Cup player Cory Aporo. The Bays forward pack were well led by Zac Judge, who also had good support from veteran Slade McFarland, playing his 184th game for the club.

Massey continued their impressive start to the season, going past 120 points in just their third game. Once again opposition coaches will be thinking hard on how they can contain this talented group in future weeks. There were doubles to Niko Ratumaitavuki and Tito Sufia. Glenfield, this season's surprise package, with Walter Little at the helm, are showing they are the real deal - proving what a bit of self belief, a solid game plan and some front-foot ball can do, running in four tries in a 35-24 defeat of Northcote.Eight-eight points were scored in the game between Mahurangi and Takapuna, won 53-35 by Taka. Helped by the superb weather and field conditions, it made for a real try-fest, but neither coach - Koen McGee for Mahurangi nor Blair Urlich for Takapuna - will be happy with the tries their respective sides leaked. Balancing this though, referee Chris Martin commented in his after-match speech that rugby in North Harbour is in great heart when such spectacular tries are being scored.

WESTERN V SILVERDALE

Those supporters fortunate enough to be at Helensville on Satuurday, were treated to a fast paced game of rugby when the On Target Drilling Western Pioneers repelled Silverdale's Country Cup challenge 60-7.

The Western Pioneer's backs were in irrepressible form, scoring eight of the 10 tries as they showed off their sublime skills against an opposition that were well off the pace.

Instead of taking a gift three points from a penalty opporunity in the first few minutes, the Pioneers quickly tapped the ball and a couple of passes later Ritchie Ah Chong was over for the first of his three tries.

More quickly followed, and the halftime score of 36-0 gave a fair indication of the home side's dominance.  

To their credit Silverdale came out after halftime will a sense of purpose, and for 15 minutes dominated possession, hammering away at the Pioneer's defence with a series of forward initiated drives.  They were rewarded with a converted try, 36-7, but then the Pioneers wrested back control and the tries continued to be scored .

The set pieces continue to be of concern, but with a new hooker just about ready to play, and more hard scrummaging practice on the menu, these issues will hopefully soon be addressed.

Laki Havea had a strong game in the front row and deservedly scored a try.  Lyndon Dunshea, new to the Pioneers this year from Canterbury, is a fine prospect and with the rampaging form he showed with ball in hand will be attracting the attention of the Harbour selectors.  He made many breaks and sent Nico Maybury away on a thirty metre gallop to score in the closing stages.  Many will recall Nico as an outstanding Helensville player some 8-10 years ago, prior to his leaving to work and play rugby in the UK.  He has come back looking in fine shape and will give much needed cover at lock and number 8.

Michael Farmer has assumed captaincy responsibilities with Jimmy Tuiviati injured, and his game has since lifted several notches.  He was named supporter's player of the day.

Matt McGahan and Jone Puamau were back after being away last week and their presence as the inside backs meant more space for those outside them.  Another new player this year, Waisele Dokonivalu at centre, is strong and powerful and improving each week, as evidenced by him scoring two tries.

Nothing more can be said about Ritchie Ah Chong, other than he is almost unstoppable and he has now scored 7 tries in just the three games.  Pita Volavola on the other wing showed his class, as did fullback Kyle Nu'uiliitia.

Points scorers:   R Ah Chong 3, W Dokonivalu 2, K Nu'uiliitia, P Volavola, M McGahan, N Maybury and L Havea tries.  McGahan 5 conversions