Outstanding Poneke defence seals Hardham Cup win

Above: Poneke celebrating their 19-9 win today under the stand at the Hutt Rec. Photo courtesy of Poneke Rugby.

In front of about 2000 fans at the Hutt Recreation Ground, Poneke would triumph over Northern United on the back of inspirational defence.

Norths started well after using their crash bash style of running with the backline to put pressure on Poneke near their tryline.

As a result, Poneke were pinged for not releasing and centre Jackson Garden-Bachop kicked a penalty from out in front.

Poneke hit back after camping in the Norths half for long periods of play. Referee Vincent Ringrose awarded a penalty in favour of the red and blacks and quick thinking from livewire halfback Edwin Ainley was rewarded with a five pointer.

It was to be the sole try of the afternoon. What was more impressive though was Ainley's massive conversion from wide out.

Poneke led 7-5 midway through the first half and it could have been a double whammy for Norths.

Left wing James Solomon found oodles of space down the left hand side of the field. He looked certain to coast in for a try but after passing to fullback Tauasosi Tuimavave, he passed the ball forward in an attempt to link up with Solomon.

The relief was evident around the Norths team as the try was botched.

Moments later Ainley would kick his first penalty of the afternoon and Poneke led 10-3.

As Norths were building phase after phase and pushing for a try, a possible knock on went undetected, which led to howls of protest from various Poneke players.

Garden-Bachop would kick his second penalty through the uprights after Poneke were accused of not rolling away at the breakdown.

Arguably, Norths biggest tryscoring chance came in the 30^th minute when Dudley Parsons threw a long pass wide to bustling second five Konelio Feaunati. Feaunati resembled hulking Crusaders wing Nemani Nadolo in the Super Rugby final, when he steamrolled down the sideline and was incredibly close to scoring in the corner.

Feaunati was tackled into touch near the corner flag by an incredibly brave Michael Sage.

Poneke took a 10- 6 lead into the halftime break.

The second half was a disappointing one for Norths as poor discipline and decisions killed off their chances of retaining the Hardham Cup.

Ainley and Garden-Bachop kicked penalties for their respective sides in the opening 10 minutes.

Unfortunately for the large travelling Norths supporters, their side unravelled.

Luka Gibb's lineout throw was lost off a Norths penalty kick into touch in the 55^th minute. The lineout was picked off by Poneke captain Galu Taufale, who stormed into the Norths 22. Luckily for Norths, a scrum would be awarded to them off a knock on.

A big opportunity to score was blown as the rock solid Poneke defence held firm once again.

With 15 minutes to go in the contest, Jackson Garden-Bachop made a clean break after running past some slow Poneke forwards. But there was no one in support to finish off. All the good work from the Norths centre was wasted.

This missed chance was a coach killer and Norths coach Thomas Perenara would have been very frustrated.

And to make matters worse, the game was won for Poneke when Norths reserve back Perofeta Silva was yellow carded for fighting.

Ainley would complete his outstanding personal haul of scoring all 19 points in a Hardham Cup final when he kicked a penalty from 25 metres out.

Deservedly, Poneke would become Hardham Cup champions again after winning two years ago against OBU 20-17. The class of 2012 featured Dane Coles and Reggie Goodes.

This win was sweet revenge for the Kilbirnie men after losing to Norths 28-20 in Hardham Cup round robin play, and 32-20 way back in May when competing during the Swindale Shield.

Their captain Galu Taufale was pleased with the result.

"It was a tough game out there against Norths, but we really stood up today on defence and im proud of the boys."

Poneke's resolute defence was the catalyst in their win as numbers 1 to 22 worked for each other and defended with heart.

Poneke first five Pakai Turia had a blinder today. He created things in attack, most notably with his chip kicks into space, which would put pressure on the Norths back three of Peato Lafaele, Perry Hayman and Aukuso Tuitama who was kept quiet.

Turia has quite a lengthy punt and would rake off acres of territory when kicking for touch.

The loose forward trio of Nathan Iro, Greg Foe and Galu Taufale were instrumental also as they often disrupted Norths at the breakdown, making it hard for former Cook Islands sevens and Horowhenua-Kapiti rep Adam Vardey to get quick ball.

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