Two-Try Plaister Clinches Victory At The Village

Hard running Poneke left wing Ambrose Plaister's two tries proved decisive in his side's 25-20 round six Swindale Shield win over Petone at the Petone Recreation Ground.

Plaister grabbed a second half double to keep Poneke's unbeaten record intact at the top of the standings.? In Porirua converted left wing, Francis Seumanutafa ran in a first half hat trick and new openside flanker Dean Brunsdon also scored twice as Northern United whipped up a storm to beat Upper Hutt 61-22.

Elsewhere, Old Boys-University maintained third place in the standings behind Poneke and Norths with a four tries to two, 33-21, win over Tawa at a windy Basin Reserve. Avalon and Hutt Old Boys Marist fought out an 18-18 draw in a tight game at the Hutt Recreation Ground. Avalon led 15-8 at halftime, before the Eagles fought back to square it all up.

Also clawing their way into Jubilee Cup contention are the Wests Roosters having prevailed over Oriental-Rongotai 15-7 at Ian Galloway Park in an important win for them. At their wind-affected venue, the Roosters came from behind at halftime to defeat their Miramar visitors.

Meanwhile, Marist St. Pat's earned a bonus point 29-5 win over Wainuiomata at Evans Bay Park, moving them ahead of HOBM into fourth.

The passion ran deep in this week's feature game on Old Timers Day at Petone between the hosts and Poneke. This game was for the long-contested FJ (Fred) Tilyard Memorial Shield, which Poneke won back.? Both sets of players put their bodies on the line in an effort to give their side the edge.

Typically, it was close throughout, both teams shadowing the other on the scoreboard and in the run of play. But, while both scored three tries apiece, it was ultimately Poneke's more convincing attacking style over Petone's more structured approach that won them the day.

Petone's well-organised pack was impressive. Their lineout worked well - largely through the efforts of lock Chris Molenaar in his 100^th game for the side - their scrum was sound and their driving and mauling play was a master class. But for all their good work up front, it wasn't enough to inflict a knock out blow to Poneke, who defended well and had an edge in open play and were able to deliver more zip and punch in their back play.

The first half was tit-for-tat, Poneke having the better of the opening quarter playing into the wind, almost scoring twice.? A try saving tackle on blindside Chris Brightwell over the line and desperate cover defence in reigning in right wing Tupu Saena denied the red and blacks.

Petone's pack soon rumbled forward with an ominous 30-metre lineout drive, before right wing Tu Umaga Marshall had his try in the corner disallowed. Referee Lyndon Bray ruled that the pass to him by fullback Jared Kahu was forward.

Still in trouble, Poneke's defensive lineout fell away and Petone halfback Cam Incledon picked up a loose ball and scampered up the touchline for the first try. First five-eighth Sam Rasch converted from wide out and the home side were ahead 7-3. Petone scored again shortly after through another Poneke clearing mistake, blindside flanker Piers Gordon charging down a hurried Plaister kick to score in the corner.

Poneke hit back right on halftime off another simple tidying up mistake by Petone. Centre Dwayne Waterman toeing ahead a wild spilt pass from Petone and scoring a crucial converted try.

Petone pulled away to 17-10 straight after the break, scoring a superb, clinical forwards try from another rolling maul. Gordon coming up with his second try of the day.

Again Poneke hit back with a lightning strike, scored by Plaister, but set up with quick ruck ball and excellent passing out wide involving Brightwell and hooker Dane Coles. This made it 17-15 to Petone and the feeling was conveyed that whoever scored next would take the contest.

Having kept in touch after trailing early in the game Poneke, hit the lead through Plaister, soaring through a gap at pace off the shoulder of a deft pass by second five-eighth Misipalauni Moananu to cross unopposed.

Another long period of end-to-end action followed, before Brightwell kicked another penalty to give Poneke a 25-17 lead and an eight-point buffer with several minutes remaining.

Petone kept trying, but ran out of time and wisely opted for a penalty at the end to give them a bonus point.

While this win keeps Poneke's unblemished record intact at the top of the standings, Petone now find themselves in joint eighth with Tawa on the points table.? Although on the evidence of their forward play, Petone's organised style could be best equipped of any other team to deal with the rampant attacking nature of defending champions Norths in the second round.