Alan McEvoy

Pakuranga v Eden

Eden have triumphed in what was a seriously tight affair at Bell Park this afternoon. With the season starting to reach its pointy end, both sides would have seen this as a crucial match in the race for the Top 4. The last couple of weeks have seen Eden re-capture their early season form, and they’ll be looking to maintain this over the last three weeks of the regular season.

Eden 18 (E Ioane, D Liaina tries, D Liaina conv, D Liaina 2 pen)

Pakuranga 15 (O Samate, H Ahokovi tries, H Ahokovi conv, H Ahokovi pen) Halftime: 13 - 3

College Rifles v Grammar TEC

The Sir Fred Allen Challenge Cup will stay with the boys from Remuera for at least another week after their comfortable victory over Grammar TEC today. After a humbling result against Ponsonby last weekend, College Rifles were determined to get a positive result today and ensure they ensconced themselves within the Top 4. Grammar TEC have an upward hill to climb now if they want to make the semi-finals, but will know they came up against a College Rifles side today that will be one of the sterner tests they face throughout the season.

College Rifles 37 (P Vaovasa, M Fineanganofo 2, L Loco, L Iloahefavia, H Gideon tries, J Collins 2 conv, J Collins pen)

Grammar TEC 19 (J Whetton 2, V Tuungafasi tries, K Hifo 2 conv,  pen) Halftime: 10 - 5

Waitemata v University

Waitemata is always a tough place to travel to, and the home side made sure of that when the defending champions came to town. Waitemata went to the sheds at the break with a slender lead, but were unable to hold out a fast-finishing Varsity side who will be more than pleased to come away with the victory. University have put themselves in a good position for a semi-final berth, while Waitemata will know that if they continue to perform at this level week in, week out they will give themselves a serious chance at a Top 4 spot.

University 15 (S Afoa 2, J Marks tries)

Waitemata 10 (A Choat try, D Fraser conv, D Fraser pen) Halftime: 5 - 10

Ponsonby v Suburbs

Ponsonby have maintained their unbeaten season…just. Suburbs will feel that this may have been one that got away, and today’s result proves just how tight this competition is. Ponsonby, without Rocky Khan, saw a number of their players put their hand-up to withstand the Suburbs challenge. In a common them to their season, Ponies were able to utilise the depth in their squad to ensure they were able to come away with a win and maintain top spot.

Ponsonby 20 (T Fox-Matamua, T Puloka, F Vaha’akolo tries, W Talataina-Mu conv, W Talataina-Mu pen)

Suburbs 16 (B Tuivai, V Duisokosoko tries, C Perry 2  pen) Halftime: 13 - 3

Portola

Papatoetoe v Marist

A game of two halves for the Red Nation today. After holding a more than comfortable lead at halftime they were left to sweat it somewhat throughout the second half as Marist refused to go down easily. This was arguably the match of the round in the Portola on paper and it lived up to the billing with both sides showing real flair in what was an entertaining match.

Papatoetoe 26 (J Latana, S Ngata, P Fineanganofo, T Fa’alili tries, D Leuila 3 conv)

Marist 21 (S Sione, M Filiga, SP Toleafoa tries, M Filiga 3 conv) Halftime: 26 - 0

Te Papapa v Otahuhu

Te Papapa will be delighted with their victory over Otahuhu today. The home side displayed some real character and a solid 80 minute performance to ensure they were able to hold out the boys from South Auckland. After beating Manukau last weekend, Otahuhu would of have taken some confidence into today’s match-up, but Te Papapa proved how close the Portola competition is after securing the victory this afternoon.

Te Papapa 22 (S Havea 2, L Feke tries, T Vea, U Fakakovikaetau conv, T Vea pen)

Otahuhu 19 (N Lilomaiava, N Vea, T Tavae tries, M Pesamino conv) Halftime: 10 - 19

East Tamaki v Waitakere

East Tamaki were imperious in their performance today at home against Waitakere. Leading from start-to-finish they gave the visitors no chance. This was a return to some of the form we saw from East Tamaki in 2017 and it was a delight to behold. Waitakere will be disappointed to not build on some promising performances in the past few weeks, but will know they’re still in the hunt for a Top 4 finsih.

East Tamaki 36 (T Moala, W Silipa 2, S Silipa, M Iefata, B Asiata tries, T Iosua 3 conv)

Waitakere 10 (A Savea try, A Savea conv, A Savea pen) Halftime: 17 - 3

Mt Wellington v Manukau

A high scoring affair at Hamlin Park saw Manukau come away with the bonus point victory. Mt Wellington have struggled to score points at times this year, so will be pleased at racking up a few today. Manukau however, had a few more points in them and will be pleased to bounce back after losing at home to Otahuhu last weekend.

Manukau 52 (E Simanu, V Sifa, M Mutha, B Motuliki, S Hafoka, I Vatikani, S Pailate, P Muller tries, S Hafoka conv, S Hafoka pen, Penalty try)

Mt Wellington 32 (A Tapili 2, K Burgess, S Fanguna tries, A Tapili 3 conv, A Tapili 2 pen) Halftime: 26 - 18

Premier Women

Manurewa v Ponsonby

Manurewa reminded the Women’s Premier competition today that it’s more than a two-horse race between College Rifles and Marist with a comprehensive victory over Ponsonby. The Counties Manukau side were physical and clinical throughout the 80 minutes and will look to use the result as a springboard for their remaining games in the regular season.

Manurewa 42

Ponsonby 15

Glenfield v Marist

Marist will be pleased to return home with the bonus point victory over Glenfield today. The young Marist side are showing plenty of promise and will be one of the serious title challengers in 2018. Glenfield will be disappointed in not mounting more of a challenge but will understand that they came up against an excellent Marist side today.

Glenfield 5

Marist 61

College Rifles v Eden

There is little to say on today’s match between College Rifles and Eden. The home side were unstoppable and are showing more and more that they are looking like the team to beat in this year’s competition. Eden experienced another tough day at the office in what is their first year in the Premier grade.

College Rifles 73

Eden 0

East Coast Bays 36

Ardmore Marist 36