ODT Article
Kaikorai and Dunedin enhanced their prospects of making the playoffs, while Southern and Green Island kept their chances alive.
However, Taieri can get the season review under way a few weeks early after it was beaten 30-22 by Dunedin at Peter Johnstone Park.
The defeat has left the 2014 champion in seventh place and 12 points adrift of the top four.
Southern started the season slowly but its 39-17 win against Alhambra-Union has kept it in touch with the top four, and Green Island scored a late try to prevail 32-27 in a tense match against Zingari-Richmond.
Kaikorai was arguably the biggest winner.
Its convincing 46-12 win against Harbour was a huge confidence boost.
University A all too predictably thrashed Pirates 97-22.
Kaikorai 46
Harbour 12
Outside backs Tony Ensor and Matt Jones and a strong performance from the forward pack helped Kaikorai retain the Speight’s Challenge Shield and secure a bonus-point victory over Harbour at Bishopscourt.
Although some of Kaikorai’s passing from the midfield was indifferent at times, the back three remained constant threats.
Ensor, Jones and super sub Sean Conner proved a lethal mix.
Conner combined with Ensor, for arguably one of the tries of the season.
Jones, who began the match having scored 84 points this season, amassed a further 16 in this match, to become just the third player in the Dunedin premier competition this year to break into three figures.
While Ensor’s two tries takes his points tally to 90, it will be a rare feat indeed, should two players from one club make the 100 points club for the season.
But no praise could be too great for the Kaikorai pack in which the loose forward trio of Paul Grant, Slade McDowell and Lee Allan thrived on the commitment from the tight five.
Grant, Blair Tweed and Pita Sinamoni received good service from the lineout throws of hooker Lachlan Landels.
Harbour was well-served by its captain and lock Ben Whale, along with front rowers George Bower and Sekonaia Pole.
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http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/387417/rugby-kaikorai-dunedin-boost-play-hopes
Photo Waisaki doing the hawks sign