University 30
Harbour 7
A try on full time by replacement hooker Adam Reid was the icing on the cake in University’s bonus point 30-7 victory over Harbour in the Challenge Shield match at Logan Park.
Reid, who played a key role in University’s win in the colts final last weekend, stepped up to the premiership making the most of his opportunity, complementing the work of fellow tight five members Kilipati Lea and Josh Hill, and high work rates of flankers Sam Dickson and Jack McHugh.
For McHugh it was another outstanding captain’s knock. After Harbour was fortuitously awarded a try early on, he led from the front, inspiring a solid midfield defence complimented by the high work rate of a roving Dickson.
McHugh opened University’s account, scoring a try from a rolling maul.
The turning point in the game was when Harbour was reduced to 13 men minutes later with two yellow cards, one to captain Chucky Koroi and the other 30 seconds late to Vinny Isherwood for kicking the ball away after the whistle. All was over after that point as Dickson flat-footed two midfield defenders to run in a try from 30m out and secure an 18-7 lead at the break.
University maintained its pressure in the second half, and Harbour failed to offer any counter. Naulia Dawai was put onto the field at half time to try start a come back but it was all too late, First five-eighth Mike Williams scored from a piece of brilliance and quick-thinking from left wing Jackson Miller, to finish the game with 15 points.
Front-rowers, Aidan Spence, Chris Schaaf and Giorgio Bower proved tireless workers for Harbour.
Harbour vs Alhambra-Union this weekend at Watson Park 2:45 kick off
Sekonia Pole is back this week and coach Ryan Nicholas
Sam Porter is out for a few weeks and Vinny Isherwood has an exam
In other news the Senior Reserves beat second placed Kaikorai 41-27 to continue their winning ways. With two tries to Dylan Tutty
Read the full ODT article here