Lincoln Uni, Mar-Alb ones to beat in semis
Jason Watson kept up his stellar try scoring streak as Marist Albion warmed up for the metro club rugby semifinals with a 32-17 victory over Christchurch.
Second placed Marist Albion will meet the same opponent in Saturday’s semifinals of the Hawkins Trophy.
Lincoln University, who have not lost a game in 2015, take on fourth-placed New Brighton in the other semifinal clash.
Left wing Watson, who joined Marist Albion from Burnside this season, has been a revelation for his new club.
He dotted down for a hat-trick in the win over Christchurch at Edgar MacIntosh Park, taking his tally for the season to 21 – first equal with New Brighton flyer Tulolo Tulolo.
Watson has scored at least a try in every game for Marist Albion this season.
Christchurch started well, racing out to a 10-0 lead after a try to wing Elliot Scott, and penalty and conversion from Jason Merrett.
Marist Albion did not take long to hit back with first five Hagen Schulte crossing for his side’s first try.
In the final 10 minutes before halftime, Marist asserted their authority while Christchurch lock Brad Tucker was in the sinbin.
Marist moved the ball well from side to side before getting the ball to Watson, who finished in the corner for his first of the afternoon.
Watson scored his second, just five minutes into the second half, to blow the lead out to 27-10, which was always going to be tough for Christchurch to peg back.
He capped off a pleasing performance with his third try in the final minute of the game.
First five Schulte was a standout in the win for Marist, contributing 17 points, which included 12 from the boot.
Experienced No 8 and skipper Kieran Coll was Christchurch’s best in the loss.
Lincoln University 39 New Brighton 10
Lincoln University showed why they are overwhelming favourites for the title this season with a convincing victory.
The country students led 13-0 at halftime and were never really troubled by a New Brighton side, who rested several key performers ahead of the semifinal. Lincoln University outscored New Brighton five tries to one with Canterbury NPC loose forward Tom Sanders having a busy game.
Openside flanker, Wade McRae, who has been among the most consistent perfomers in Christchurch club rugby this season, was again impressive for Lincoln.
Lincoln held a 34-3 advantage with 10 minutes left, before the seasiders scored their only try of the game through blindside flanker Troy Mangan. Lincoln have come unstuck at the semifinal stage the past two seasons, having won the first round of the competition.
Sydenham 54 University 15
Sydenham and University have not had much to cheer about in the second half of the competition, failing to win a game before Saturday.
Both sides were eager to break their losing runs, but it was Sydenham, who ran out deserved winners, scoring eight tries in the process.
Sydenham jumped out to a 25-10 halftime buffer and it was more of the same in the second half for the visitors.
Outside backs Solomon Alaimalo and Luteru Laulala benefited from a dominant effort from the Sydenham forwards, both getting across for a double.
Lock Kalave Aualiitia set the tone for Sydenham in the engine room, with experienced skipper Reuben Harvey and Matt James both working tirelessly in the loose. University will wonder what might have been in 2015 after an excellent first round, where they won eight of their 11 games.
The students struggled in the Trophy round, losing all five matches.
Sumner 22 Shirley 15
Sumner did enough to subdue a plucky Shirley side and finish top of section two, courtesy of their earlier win over HSOB.
They will take on University in the Plate semifinals on Saturday, with HSOB matching up against Sydenham in the other.
The game never reached any heights on a sticky St Leonards Square, which made it difficult for running rugby.
With 20 minutes left, Shirley sensed an upset, levelling the score at 15-15, having trailed 15-5 at halftime.
Sumner were able to wrap up an uninspiring win with a late try to fullback Amanaki Nicole. Roddy Giles added the extras to give the home side some breathing space.
Linwood 31 Burnside 29
Linwood and Burnside produced the most entertaining game of the round, combining for nine tries in a lively affair.
Linwood, who have finished the season with a flourish, held a handy 24-8 lead early in the second half, but Burnside fought back strongly. Burnside attempted to snatch victory at the death, running the ball on the final play of the game.
Linwood flanker Poasa Mapu snuffed out any chance of a comeback win, delivering a thundering hit. Linwood were buoyed by the presence of fringe Crusaders’ prop Alex Hodgman, who scored a try in the win. Lock Penese Iosefo had a fine game for Linwood, while wing Keneti Alatimu notched two tries.
HSOB 56 Belfast 12
Defending Christchurch club rugby champions HSOB snapped Belfast’s one-game winning streak with a crushing win at Sheldon Park.
HSOB have not had the season they would have wanted, but were far too strong for the Cobras.
The game was over as a contest at halftime with HSOB in charge 32-0.
Blindside flanker Daryl Lamborn had a memorable afternoon for HSOB, scoring three of his side’s nine tries.
Loose forward Frank Havea was the shining light for Belfast. He toiled hard in the losing cause and was rewarded with two tries.