Suburbs players fall short of shield

It’s heartbreak for Suburbs Rugby Football Club, upset 39-18 by University in Auckland Rugby’s Premier final at Eden Park.

The 2016 champions fell behind early in the match and were never able to catch University, who ran in six tries and conceded just two.

An emotional Suburbs’ captain Carl Perry said post match that the weight of possession and territory was the difference in the end.

‘‘Full credit to University they were too strong today. They controlled the ball and deserved the win.’’

Perry congratulated his side on a ‘‘fantastic season overall’’, and thanked the hoard of west Auckland supporters for turning out.

For just the second time in 20-years, the University Vipers are Auckland Rugby’s Premier champions.

University took the early lead at Eden Park and never let up, running in six tries to two in front of a vocal hoard of supporters.

With 20 minutes remaining and just seven points the difference, University fullback Sam Lawson swooped on a loose ball just inside his own half and beat six defenders to score one of the individual tries of the season and all but ice the game for his side.

University captain Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald was quick to credit the coaching staff and management for the win.

‘‘We had a rough go of it last year . . . full credit to our staff and supporters for backing us.’’