Taieri ........................................ 37 AlhambraUnion ......................... 0
Everyone and noone stood out for Taieri.
Defending champion the Eels strengthened their grip on pole position with a dominant 370 win over AlhambraUnion at the North Ground.
It was a typically organised and disciplined effort up front, and AlhambraUnion struggled to find a way to combat its opponent.
Taieri was able to break the defensive line a little too easily.
The Eels kept it close and recycled the ball quickly and it worked out rather well.
Openside flanker Leroy Ferguson scored three tries and centre Hunter Dickson scored a brace of tries before he left the field with a serious leg injury.
Taine CraigRanga had a comfortable ride at first five and had all the time he needed to make good percentage plays.
Hooker Brady Robertson and veteran lock Brodie Hume had solid games.
For its part, AlhambraUnion gave up too many penalties. The Broncos lacked discipline at the breakdown and got offside too often.
AlhambraUnion was missing a few key players. Lock Levi Turoa and Highlanders utility back Vilimoni Koroi were absent. They make a big difference when they are available.
AU first five Ben McCarthy provided one of a few bright spots for the Broncos. He put in a good honest shift, as did loose forward Tom Frood.
But Taieri’s forward pack was just too good. The Eels have four bonuspoint wins from four games and will be tough to beat.
Round four
Taieri 37 (Leroy Ferguson 3, Hunter Dickson 2, Tom Bolton, Jared Burns tries), AlhambraUnion 0. Halftime: Taieri 270.
Southern 20 (Jake McEwan, Dylan Hook, Harry Taylor, Kiardyn Hatch tries), Green Island 3 (Travis Cashmore pen). Halftime: Green Island 30.
Harbour 5 (Austin Atiga try), Dunedin 0. Halftime: Harbour 50.
University 17 (Thomas Rance, James Fairbairn tries; Jacob WakariJones 2 con, pen), ZingariRichmond 12 (Shaun Driver, Michael Cordtz tries; Shaun Driver con). Halftime: University 147. maul in the 52nd minute.
The score stayed 53 until midway through the second half, when winger Dylan Hook crossed for a lovely try.
It was a terrific backline move considering the challenging conditions.
Blindside Harry Taylor, who scored one of two late tries, had a wonderful match in the loose.
He led the forward pack well and ran hard. McEwan made some telling tackles around the fringe of the ruck, and Leslie put in a cross kick to set up the final try and had a big impact on the match.
Prop Shane Fikken and No 8 Tom Marshall stood out for Green Island in a losing effort.