A wrap of the action from Rd 1 of the SAS Fox Memorial Premiership Qualifiers.
Pt Chevalier 18 Glenora 30
A Wyatt Rangi masterclass led Glenora to a 30-18 victory over Pt Chevalier in the first game of the new season, played at Mount Smart Stadium. Rangi scored two tries and played a leading hand in setting up several others, as the Bears claimed the Stormont Shield champion of champions trophy.
Otahuhu 14 Mangere East 24
Mangere East got off to winning start under new head coach Richie Blackmore, picking up a victory against local rivals Otahuhu at Bert Henham Park. Exodus Semau scored a double in the win, with the Hawks having to overcome a 10-6 deficit at the break.
Marist 14 Mt Albert 42
Led by a strong showing from former Junior Warrior Eiden Ackland, Mt Albert got up for a convincing round one victory. Ackland had a double for the Lions, who took a 22-10 lead into the break and went on with the job in the second period.
Manurewa 18 Northcote 40
A four-try haul from James Waterson did much of the damage for Northcote, as they gave Manurewa a brutal welcome back to the first division. The Tigers had raced out to a 26-0 lead at half-time, but fell off in the second 40, as the Marlins tried in vain to get back into the contest.
Howick 22 Richmond 12
Howick eventually got the better of Richmond in a closely-contested match played in wet conditions at Paparoa Park. Scores were locked at half-time, and after both sides traded tries it was 12-12 heading into the final 20 minutes, at which point the Hornets turned it on with a couple of tries to ensure they started the season with a victory.
Papakura 26 Bay Roskill 20
A try to reigning SAS Fox Memorial Player of the Year Phoenix Hunt in the dying seconds of the match earned Papakura a first-up win over the newly-promoted Bay Roskill Vikings. With the Sea Eagles trailing by two late in the match, Drew Radich kicked a penalty to lock scores, before Hunt's late heroics sealed the deal.
