July 13 Auckland Rugby League Premiership match reports
Northcote 6 Mt Albert 22
Mt Albert
bounced back from a heavy defeat last week to down
top-of-the-table Northcote and win the Zae Wallace Memorial
Cup. Three tries in quick succession in the first half saw
the Lions lead 18-6 at the break, before an arm wrestle
ensued in the second spell. Prop Sala Falelua-Malio was a
standout in the middle of the park.
Marist
12 Otahuhu 60
Otahuhu proved far too strong for
Marist, with their big win ensuring they remain in the top
four heading into round four. Geronimo Doyle scored 24 of
Otahuhu's 60 points via two tries and eight conversions,
while Setu Tu played a starring role out wide with a double.
Mangere East 8 Pt Chevalier
44
Chris Sio and Sam Fa'apito both scored
doubles in the Pirates' big win over Mangere East. In his
second game back from a stint in the Queensland Cup,
second-rower Pat Sipley played 80 minutes in the win.
Howick 24 Glenora 14
Howick retained
the Roope Rooster challenge trophy, went outright top of the
ladder and gave Jethro Friend the ultimate gift in his 100th
game, overcoming Glenora late to win at Paparoa Park. With
the Bears leading with half an hour to go, the game changed
when Chase Bernard was sent to the bin, and the Hornets
finished the stronger of the two sides.
Rd 3 Crown Lift Trucks Fox Championship (second
division)
Ellerslie 38 Bay Roskill 38
A late comeback, featuring a try and sideline
conversion after the full-time siren, saw Bay Roskill rescue
a draw from their clash with Ellerslie. The Eagles dominated
most of the match and looked on track to secure their first
win of the Championship, before suffering late heartbreak.
Joel Leaoseve scored the final try in the corner before
Pariti Matiu nailed the ensuing conversion to confirm points
were shared.
Pukekohe 26 Papakura 24
Donny Tuvai-Lopa scored with four minutes to
go, and Reuben Tolovae converted, to hand Pukekohe a famous
victory over local rivals Papakura. The Sea Eagles had led
by eight at the break, but Pukekohe wouldn't go away, and
trailing 24-20 with less than five to go, they struck to
secure their first win of the Championship.
Richmond 26 Te Atatu 18
Richmond got
up for victory over Te Atatu, handing the Roosters their
first loss of the Championship season. Prop Ngatokorua
Kamana-Pou was a pillar of strength in the middle for
Richmond.
Manurewa 40 Hibiscus Coast
12
Manurewa overcame a 12-10 deficit at
half-time to win comfortably over Hibiscus Coast and
register their first win of the Championship regular season.
Mariota Mariota scored three tries in the win, with the
Marlins pulling away in the final quarter.