Only two games left in the opening round for the men’s competition meant that some teams were in the last chance saloon if they were to challenge for the Gallaher Shield in 2019. The women’s competition saw Manurewa on top with Marist, College Rifles and Ponsonby snapping at their heels.

Pakuranga had their undefeated status tested at home by a motivated College Rifles side who needed a positive result from the match to solidify their Top 4 status in Pool A. The visitors led at the half and showed considerable fight and solidity to hold off the competition’s front runners to record the victory, 29-19.

Ponsonby were also tested at home with Waitemata proving to be a stern opposition at Western Springs. The first half was tightly contested before the Ponies showed their championship pedigree to run away with it and record a comfortable win at the fulltime whistle.

East Tamaki and Otahuhu played out a tight and well-fought fixture. With only two points separating the two sides at the end of the first spell. The second half proved no different with East Tamaki running out victors by the same points difference, 26-24.

Papatoetoe got back to winning ways with a well-earned win over Waitakere who were unable to claim back-to-back wins for the first time in 2019. Papatoetoe were ruthless throughout the match and will look to continue this form on into the final week of the competition’s first round.

Pool B saw University claim a bonus-point victory over Te Papapa who were fresh off their last round victory over Mt Wellington. Colin Maiden Park proved to field of dreams for the home side and the match against Manukau next weekend will be crucial to their ‘Top 8’ aspirations.

Eden continued their return to form with Mt Wellington the latest victims at Gribblehirst Park. The home side were comfortable leaders at the break and will now look forward to their final match next week against Te Papapa before the second round begins.

Suburbs travelled to Marist knowing that a win would give them breathing space in the Top 4. It was the home side however, who blew them away in the second half after holding only a narrow lead from the first half. Marist were simply irresistible in the second spell with a Top 4 spot now well within their grasp.

Manukau and Grammar TEC were always going to push each other all the way in the last match of the round, but it was the visitors Grammar TEC who walked away with the victory. After a dominant opening half, the visitors found themselves challenged by a determined Rovers outfit in the second 40 minutes who fell shy of what could of been a spectacular comeback at home.

In the women’s competition, College Rifles summoned an almighty effort to subdue the high-flying Manurewa. The two sides were both shorn of a number of their Black Ferns stars, but produced an enthralling encounter with the Remuera based side running out deserved winners in the end.

Eden and East Coast Bays-Glenfield played out an entertaining fixture with the North Harbour side the winners at the end of 80 minutes despite a much improved and determined Eden effort.

Marist got back to winning ways over Ardmore Marist thanks to a default by the Counties Manukau side.

Premier Round 6 Results – Saturday 11 May 2019

Ponsonby 31 (J Cooper, A Dabek, J Mau’a, F Vaha’akolo, S Vikena tries, J Cooper 2, W Talataina-Mu conv,  pen)

Waitemata 10 (M Fujisaki try, J Matautia conv, J Matautia pen) Halftime 17 - 10

Papatoetoe 86 (A Alaovae, J Qaraniqio, D Leuila, JP Ngatoko, R Paraki 3, O Pauta, S Silipa, W Silipa 2, J Tafili 2, E Vai tries, B Lemalufaitoaga, D Leuila 5, J Tafili 2 conv)

Waitakere 10 (G Fuimaono try, T Tamenari conv, T Tamenari pen) Halftime 41 - 3

College Rifles 29 (L Gilheany-Black, L Iloahefaiva, M Taulahi 2  tries, A Somerset 3 conv, A Somerset pen)

Pakuranga 19 (S Ahokovi, S Silipa, S Williams tries, H Ahokovi 2 conv) Halftime 17 - 12

East Tamaki 26 (L Faaui, T Latu, S Tagiloa tries, T Iosua conv, penalty try)

Otahuhu 24 (S Lam Sam, T Ofisa, K Patea, S Vaatofu tries, O Latu, S Lauvao conv) Halftime 14 - 12

Grammar TEC 40 (A Lam, D Lam, P Richardson, N Soti, V Tuungafasi, TJ Vaega tries, M Storm 5 conv)

Manukau 24 (J Iakopo, C Saulala 2, A Uluikadavu tries, M Pulu conv) Halftime 28 - 5

University 62 (T Te Puni, R Patea Seve, H Miller, G Emosi, T Latu, S Afoa, U Fetalaiga, C Busby 2, L Swart tries, H Miller 6 conv)

Te Papapa 7 (O Katoa try, O Katoa conv) Halftime 17 - 0

Eden 52 (F Friconnet, M Leaana, D Liaina, T Malupo 2, J Sio, D Soqeta, C Tiatia tries, C Morgan 5, A Lole conv)

Mt Wellington 8 (P Betham try, A Tapili pen) Halftime 28 - 3

Marist 45 (S Kata, S Rayasi 2, A Ripata, H Sotutu 2, PC Tagaloa tries, O Polson 4, S Rayasi conv)

Suburbs 10 (S Mataena, R Prasad tries) Halftime 12 - 5

Premier Women’s

College Rifles 25 vs Manurewa 14

Ardmore vs Marist (Won By Default)

ECB/Glenfield 29 vs Eden 15