COMMUNITY SPORT

Stratford Eltham picked up a win over neighbours Inglewood 39-37 at Victoria Park to claim the Tap O’Neill Shield.

In reversing the result of last year’s CMK club rugby final, Coastal opened the new premier rugby season with a tense 18-16 victory over Tukapa at Rahotu on Saturday.

There was, however, almost a case of deja vu, with Tukapa missing a late penalty kick with minutes remaining to let Coastal hold on.

The defending champions lead 13-6 at the break but Coastal maintained possession better in the second stanza.

Elsewhere, Clifton upset New Plymouth Old Boys 27-22 at the Tikorangi Domain. Old Boys looked to be in full control of the match with two quick first half tries, but Clifton scored three tries before the break to grab the lead. Despite a late comeback by Old Boys, Clifton held on in front of a strong home crowd.

Stratford Eltham picked up a win over neighbours Inglewood 39-37 at Victoria Park to claim the Tap O’Neill Shield. The home side lead 29-13 at half time, but Inglewood’s bench made a significant impact in the second spell, with the maroons surging to the front.

However, Stratford held its nerve, scoring with minutes remaining to level the score. And Jordan Masters slotted the sideline conversion to win the match.

In the only Saturday match, Southern romped Spotswood United 43-18 at Hicks Park in Hawera. Spotswood would have been disappointed with their efforts with the wind in the first half as they trailed 11-6 at the break. The second half opened up, however, with some excellent tries by both teams. But it was the home team who were the most dominant to take the win.

In next weekend’s CMK club rugby matches, Tukapa host Southern, Old Boys face Coastal at Vogeltown Park, Inglewood play Clifton at home and Stratford Eltham head north to face Spotswood United.