Cody’s charge checked
Inglewood fullback Cody Hall tries to break the New Plymouth Old Boys’ defensive line at Vogeltown Park.
Defending champions Tukapa bagged the first piece of silverware for the season, claiming the McLeod Shield after winning the first round of the CMK premier club rugby competition.
The 27-15 win against previous competition leaders Coastal at the Ra¯ hotu Domain on Saturday gave Tukapa a three-point lead over joint second placed teams Coastal and New Plymouth Old Boys.
Inglewood and Stratford/ Eltham sit in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Tukapa led 10-8 at the break before a second half blitz.
They stretched the score out to 27-8 after a charge down kick to first-five eight Jayson Potroz and runaway to Mason Porteous. Potroz also kicked a penalty in the second spell.
Coastal’s comeback was too late when outside back Troy Stevenson scored.
New Plymouth Old Boys claimed a come-from-behind 21-19 win against Inglewood at Vogeltown Park.
In a physical and open match, both teams scored three tries.
Inglewood got out to a healthy 19-7 lead at one stage, but Old Boys’ patience close to the line in the second half secured their fifth victory.
Inglewood’s Josh Jacob scored a try and slotted two conversions, but missed a conversion and penalty in gusty conditions, which was the difference in the score line.
Old Boys’ Daniel Waite finished the first round with the most individual points.
For the third time this year, Spotswood United conceded fifty points after losing 56-5 to Stratford/Eltham at Victoria Park.
And at Tikorangi, Clifton picked up their second win of the season with a 38-29 win over Southern.
Competition points will be halved before next weekend’s round.
This Saturday, Tukapa are home to Southern, Clifton host Stratford/Eltham, Spotswood United play Old Boys and Coastal are away to Inglewood.