Wainuiomata put Vikings to the sword

WAINUIOMATA produced a performance to mark the occasion, beating the Porirua Vikings 30-8 to win the inaugural Michael Sharp Challenge, named in honour of the Lions stalwart who died earlier this year.

Wainui were never in danger of losing Saturday’s Wellington club rugby league clash at Wise Park. From 12-8 at halftime, they methodically put Porirua away in the second spell to consolidate fourth spot on the competition ladder.

Young Lions and Wellington representative back rower Josh Kohika opened the scoring for the home team in just the third minute, before the Vikings hit back through wing AJ Utupo. Wainui showed better ball control and extended their lead with tries to halfback Josh Tu’uga and substitute Janeiro Smallman before Utupo scored his second for the Vikings just ahead of halftime.

The Vikings continued the momentum after the break and it was the Lions’ defence that won the battle, after repelling wave after wave of attack.

In a man-of-the-match display, Kohika crossed for his second try in the 55th minute to extend the Lions lead.

Porirua

again

went

on

the attack, pinning Wainui deep in their own half, but the defence was resolute.

They closed out the game with three tries in the last 15 minutes through centre Joseph Oti, Moavasa Kaiau and a second for Tu’uga.

In other matches Randwick thrashed Petone 88-4 to remain on top of the ladder, ahead of a clash for the minor premiership with Te Aroha in the last round. The Eels sit just one point behind Randwick after defeating St George 74-10 at Te Whiti Park.

The University Hunters had a 44-22 victory over Upper Hutt to retain third spot.