Norths lead shield comp
Norths are leading the Swindale Shield competition after thumping Wainuiomata 36-5.
And a win against Old Boys University this weekend would put Norths in a good position to win the first round.
With both Norths and Wainuiomata sitting in the top four, the battle for the Alf Keating Memorial Trophy was an important fixture.
Amidst a sea of blue supporters, it was Norths who opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes, and they never looked back.
They held the lion’s share of possession and territory throughout the first half and racked up 17 unanswered points.
An injury-ravaged Wainui side came out strong in the second, scoring first but were unable to maintain that pressure.
Norths grew in confidence and used their cross field kicks to great effect, putting Wainui on the back foot throughout the second.
Norths rounded out a clinical performance in front of their home fans with 19 straight points in the second, including three tries.
Manager Mike Parker said the team was still taking each game on its own merits.
The big play came when Wainui had a sniff after a half time breather, but solid defence and clinical attack put Norths on the front-foot.
The forward pack tore through the Wainui ruck and put endless pressure on the possessiondeprived backs.
‘‘As the season’s progressing, our big boys are getting fitter and more mobile.
‘‘We took Wainui to task. I don’t think they expected what we had.
‘‘There’s some really good energy there.
‘‘Winning becomes a bit of a habit so we’re just doing our best.’’
Parekura Lalaga resembled former Norths loosie Jerry Collins in his running game.
He was unstoppable in front of the line.
Leon Ellison played a respectable kicking and running game, while Norths No 8 Mike Ioapo looked impossible to bring down, drawing cheers from the Porirua crowd.
This weekend, Norths play Old Boys University at Nairnville Park for the inaugural Ken Douglas trophy.
OBU were knocked off the top of the table by Ories last weekend.
’’We’re very aware of what OBU have,’’ Parker said. ‘‘They’re a very good side and now they’ll be wanting to make amends for their loss.’’
PAREMATA-PLIMMERTON LOSE TO PETONE
Paremata-Plimmerton were always behind at the Petone Rec, going down to the local side by 38-12.
Petone started the match slowly but seemed to spark into action when captain Mateaki Kafatolu was binned for a high tackle.
Tries either side of halftime sealed the game early for the Villagers but Pare-Plim didn’t give up and were rewarded with a try to Jayden Keats from a mixup following a Petone scrum.
The Pare-Plim boys battled on to score a deserved late try.