Eden held on to win a highly entertaining round one Alan McEvoy Trophy match against near neighbours Ponsonby 27-17, kick starting the club's 95th Anniversary celebrations in the process.

Despite an overnight deluge Gribblehirst Park presented itself in perfect condition for the match, the benefits of the offseason laying of a sand base clearly evident. 

The first half was a real arm wrestle. Eden had the better of early exchanges with a weight of possession and some incisive runs by fullback Feiloaki Funaki.

They were repelled by strong Ponsonby defence, captain Whaharai Waitohi leading the way with a number of bone crunching tackles.

Ponsonby then started to assert themselves offensively with a series of raids into Eden territory. The deadlock was broken after 35 minutes with Ponsonby hooker Willie Uili crashing over following a concerted forward effort. First five-eighths William Talataina-Mu added the extras to see Ponsonby go to the break leading 7-0.

Eden got themselves on the scoreboard after three minutes of the second half with first five-eighths Rodrigo Costa kicking a penalty. They then took the lead for the first time in the match two minutes later with a superb individual try by replacement loose forward Tain Lam. Halfback Nicholas Costa added the extras from under the posts to see Eden lead 10-7. 

Talataina-Mu slotted a penalty after 50 minutes for Ponsonby to even the match up at 10-10. Eden's Argentinian connection, brothers Nicholas and Rodrigo Costa, combined brilliantly to see Nicholas score next to the posts for a 15-10 lead. Rodrigo added the extras to extend the lead to 17-10.

Eden was reduced to 14 men following a yellow card to fullback Funaki. Despite this Rodrigo Costa kept his team going forward with some astute tactical kicking. The Eden supporters on the clubhouse balcony had a perfect view of his well executed drop goal after 70 minutes extending his sides lead to 10 points at 20-10.

Ponsonby never gave up and weren't to be denied when live wire winger Freedom Vaha'akolo dotted down after 78 minutes. Talataina-Mu added the extras to close the gap to just three points with the score at 20-17. 

Chasing the game Ponsonby threw everything at Eden who were once again one man down following a second yellow card for a high tackle. Eden winger Brody Lam, who was threatening all day, intercepted a loose pass and ran 25 metres to put the match beyond doubt. Fittingly co-captain Rodrigo Costa converted on full time to make it 27-17. 

Eden 27 ( T Lam, N Costa, B Lam tries, R Costa 2 cons, 1 pen, 1 drop goal, N Costa 1 con)
Ponsonby 17 ( W Uili, F Vaha'akolo tries, W Talataina-Mu 2 con, 1 pen) Halftime 0-7

Article written by Maddie Pickering