PREMIER

Woodlands 23 Blues 17

Elles Road New World Blues and Woodlands went head to head in a game played on Thursday night due to Queens Birthday festivities. Both teams wanted a win to cement a place in the top four. The first 20 minutes saw both teams battle it out and it was the home side who were on the scoreboard first through a penalty. Blues worked hard to gain territory and had opportunities in the next period of the game however it was Woodlands who used the ball effectively and their hot stepping fullback scored a seven pointer with eight minutes remaining in the first half. Woodlands again had possession on half way and tried to spread the ball but the ever alert Brad Kooman from Blues pounced on a loose ball and showed a clean pair of heals to dot down under the posts. HT 10-7. Woodlands came out and scored another seven pointer to make it 17-7, however Elles Road New World Blues sensed an opportunity and went straight on the attack. Woodlands continued to infringe and Blues added 3 points to their score. Blues on attack again and a beautiful long pass from Mitch Taylor sent Brad Kooman in for his second. 17 all and Blues had their tails up. From the kick off Blues were ruled not to release the ball which allowed Woodlands to kick three points and a further three five minutes later. For the remaining period of the game Blues threw everything at Woodlands from two metres out but could not cross the line. The final whistle went and it was Woodlands who took the spoils 23-17. Brad Kooman was his electric best and Kalani Elder shined for Blues.

Pirates Old-Boys 32 Star 24

Marist 32 Eastern Northern Barbarians 26

After seven weeks since their last home fixture, Kelvin Hotel Marist were eager to put in a good showing in front of the Marist faithful at Miller Street. It was the visiting Eastern Northern Barbarians who got off to the better start though. The combined country side made all the early running and took a five-nil lead after a well worked lineout drive was finished off close to the Marist line. Marist started to gain some territory and possession mid-way through the first half and were rewarded when Bryce Morgan finished off a nice backline move in the right-hand corner. 

The Barbarians soon found themselves under their own posts again just moments later when what could well be a candidate for try of the year took place. Number eight Pasilio Tosi caught the kick off, ran over two defenders and stormed 50 metres up field, he found prop Shaun Stodart who showed some wheels for a prop forward, who then offloaded to Ben Nally who went over in the left corner to make it 10-5. Before halftime Marist struck again when some good forward play was finished off by wing Keanu Kahukura who ran a great line to crash over and make the score at oranges 17-5.

Another three points to Marist after halftime was followed up by two great tries. First young winger Dom Sipa tip toed down the sideline and put in a great dive to score in the corner. This was followed up by Bryce Morgan who finished off a nice counter attacking raid down the left-hand side to take the score to 32-5.

If you thought the Barbarians were done however, you would be well and truly mistaken. With some great impact from their bench and a rejuvenated attitude on attack they came home strong dominating the last 20 minutes of the game against a tiring Marist side. The likes of Brenton Howden, Hayden Stephens and Jordie Bungard added a real punch to the visiting team off the bench. Two quick tries brought them back to 32-19 with seven minutes to play. They then hammered the Marist line in the final minutes and after some strong Marist defence as well as patient attack they were able to score in injury time to grab two all-important bonus points. Final score 32-26 in favour of Marist.

Man of the match for Marist was Reuben Northover. Congratulations to Jacob Carmichael, Campbell Hosie and Joe Kafatolu who were presented with their Marist ties. Ben Fotheringham was presented with his blazer for reaching the milestone of 30 Premier games for Marist.

DIVISION ONE

NO DIVISION ONE RUGBY PLAYED

DIVISION TWO

Blues B 24 Woodlands B 7

With Queens Birthday long weekend upon us, Woodlands hosted Chemdry Southland Blues on a chilly Thursday night in what could only be described as a vital fixture for both teams with Woodlands trying to extend their lead on Wakatipu on the table to make the top 3 and Blues looking to remain unbeaten. With many of the locals donning the red bands and swanndri’s to indicate the temperature, it was obvious both teams were going to look to be busy and get amongst everything to keep body warmth high throughout. Woodlands started what would be a low scoring first half through some well-structured attack that eventuated in their hooker going over close to the sticks to take a 7-0 lead. After a lethargic start from Blues they managed to strike back with a charge down kick just before half time and a try to Tim Eade. 7-5 at the halftime.  After a poor half from Blues it took some inspirational words from coach Gary Muir at half time to spark a lethargic Blues side into life. Winger Fili Hufanga was a workhorse all night and alongside captain Connor Morrison, Lima Leiataua and Sam Hyde lead from the front. Blues added three more team tries throughout the second half to midfielder Junior Talaifono, Sam Hyde and Fili Hufanga to take a 24-7 win heading into the last game of the second round. Blues didn't have it all their way as Woodlands had their own version of the Tongan Thor who made plenty of bustling runs proving a handful for the Blues defences. Fili Hufanga earned himself MVP for Blues.

Star B 43 Pirates Old-Boys B 7

Wakatipu Wanderers 42 Marist B 36

AWS Legal Marist Development relished the opportunity to play on home turf for consecutive weekends when they took on the Wakatipu Wanderers. The Queenstown based team looked slick early and shot out to a handy 26-10 lead mid-way through the first half. The margin could well have been wider if it wasn’t for three try saving tackles from Marist fullback Paddy Corkery. Marist started to come alive at the backend of the first half and scored two quick converted tries just before the break to trail just 26-24. The second half saw a number of tries to both teams as they looked to make the most of good conditions and give the ball some air. Final score Wakatipu Wanderers 42 AWS Legal Marist 36. Player of the day for Marist was Paddy Corkery. 

Marist were much happier with their efforts over the past two weekends and will take that confidence into their final match of division two pool B when they take on Woodlands next Saturday. The division two competition will then split into a top six bottom six format at the completion of next weekend’s matches.

Albion Excelsior 35 Waikiwi 34

Pioneer 27 Tokanui 20

Riverton 12 DLS 12

DIVISION THREE

NO DIVISION THREE RUGBY PLAYED

UNDER-18 SOUTHLAND-WIDE

Gore High School 1^stXV 53 St Peters 1^stXV 12

Lazer Electrical Gore High School 1st XV started as favourites in another local derby after a win in their first round clash but the first 20 minutes was anything but one way traffic. St Peters were strong and applied lots of pressure and the young Gore High team did well keeping them scoreless.  Strong forward play got Gore High within striking distance and resulted in a good forward try to Harrison Morton. The 10 minutes before half time saw two tries to Kalin Nieper on the left wing for Gore after good set piece play and a penalty to Cam Miller allowing Gore to go into halftime 20-0 up. The second half had some great footy with entertaining play from both sides. Strong running from Rylee Stewart at fullback and good support play from Hayden Michaels at openside flanker resulted in a pair of tries to each and another to replacement wing Max Watson for Gore. St Peters worked hard and were rewarded with two tries out wide leaving the final score 53-12 to the Blue and golds. Jakob Harrex at Number eight for Gore led from the front, Harrison Morton continued his form at lock.  Gore High’s player of the day went to Bailey Turnbull at blindside flanker with good defence his trademark for the day.