Premier Results & Match Report - 4 July

Massey 51 East Coast Bays 10
Glenfield 17 Takapuna 15
North Shore 34 Western 13
Northcote 48 Silverdale 13

It is not every day a club player hits the 200 premier game mark, but Glenfield marked the milestone for their fifth double centurion Jeremy Hikuroa by narrowly defeating Takapuna 17-15.

Hikuroa, a former North harbour player who now assists Walter Little with the club coaching, debuted as far back as 1996 for Glenfield. This win has all but sealed a semifinal berth for Glenfield, with just one round to play before the semis. They need just one competition point at home against Western Pioneers to be safe.

The big statement came from Massey, who dented East Coast Bays' top four aspirations with a decisive 51-10, eight tries to two, win. Bays hang on to fourth position, and will need to win at Northcote on Saturday to ensure qualification. Massey built on a 25-0 halftime lead. Tito Sufia scored a brace, and North Harbour reps Adrian Smith, Ray Niuia, Gerard Tuioti-Mariner, Nalu Tuigamala and Matt Vaega were also among the tries.

Northcote cut loose, beating Silverdale 48-13, Tu Tawhai with a hat-trick and doubles to Josh Cooke and James Doyle, while North Harbour captain and Blues rep Bryn Hall kicked 13 points as he returns from injury.

North Shore will have a home semifinal on July 18 after repelling the Western Pioneers 34-13, scoring five tries in the process. They could still qualify top if they convincingly defeat Massey in the final round at Vauxhall Road.