Fox Memorial
Bay Roskill 22, Northcote 28
A fast start set Northcote up for victory over a gritty Bay Roskill side at Blockhouse Bay Reserve. Tigers fullback Matiu Stone-Dunn was brilliant for coach Geoff Morton, scoring a try in the victory and being heavily involved in the work on both sides of the ball. The Tigers led by as many as 18 points at one stage but couldn't shake the Vikings off.
Howick 30 Marist 12
Howick got up for a home victory against Marist, with winger Jesse Albrett's double setting the tone for the win. Marist refused to go away, playing 20 minutes a man down due to two separate sin-bins, but Howick's class through the middle of the park came through in the end. The Hornets had led 14-8 at the break.
Pt Chevalier 10 Otahuhu 44
A brilliant second half saw Otahuhu come away with a convincing victory over the defending champion Pt Chevalier Pirates. Down 10-8 at half-time, there was no stopping the Leopards in the second, as they ran in 38 unanswered points, with prop Richard Holani scoring a hat-trick and centre Emeliano Mikaele grabbing a double.
Mangere East 54 Manurewa 16
Mangere East got back to winning ways with a dominant showing against newly-promoted Manurewa at Walter Massey Park. Tiriaere Tiriaere was a difference maker for the Hawks, scoring two tries, while halfback-turned-lock Howard Brown also played well.
Richmond 46 Papakura 36
A hat-trick of tries to centre Siave Tupou did much of the damage for Richmond in their win over Papakura at Grey Lynn Park. Up 40-18 at the break, Richmond had to survive a Sea Eagles resurgence in the second spell, but held on for their first victory of 2019.
Glenora 20 Mt Albert 22
The Mt Albert Lions have control of the Roope Rooster challenge trophy, after overcoming the Glenora Bears at Lawson Park. The Lions were up 16-10 at the break, and went on with the job in the second. Mt Albert were led well by Eiden Ackland, with Sala Falelua-Malio laying a solid platform.
Rd 5 Crown Lift Trucks Fox Championship Qualifiers
Waitemata 18 Te Atatu 52
Issac Misky helped himself to a hat-trick for Te Atatu, as they powered to a big victory over Waitemata at Ranui Domain. The Roosters controlled the majority of the contest and dominated the middle third thanks to a strong showing from both of their starting prop forwards.
Hibiscus Coast 30 Pukekohe 38
Pukekohe outlasted Hibiscus Coast to remain undefeated in 2019. Pukekohe led 16-12 at the break, and through the second spell both sides traded tries to ensure the game went down to the wire. Captain/coach Jody Henry led the team well in the halves, while Bobby Brown was a standout at hooker.
Pakuranga 32 Northern Brothers 24
A big second half effort saw Pakuranga record a come-from-behind victory over the Northern Brothers. Down 20-10 at the break, Pakuranga were much improved in the second 40, taking the lead with 20 minutes to go and not looking back. Fullback Maka Hakalo scored a double for the Jaguars.
Papatoetoe 20 Mt Wellington 64
A strong forward showing – led by the Iongi Brothers Joshua and Onesi – laid the platform for a comprehensive Mt Wellington victory. The Warriors were ahead at half-time and only got better in the second. Sione Akauola was a standout for the Mt Wellington side, scoring a double.
Manukau 36 Ponsonby 20
The accurate boot of fullback Theodore Maui helped lift Manukau to victory over Ponsonby at Moyle Park. The win was built off a strong performance from Manukau's middle forwards, with the Magpies leading 24-12 at the break.
Otara 16 New Lynn 14
The Otara Scorpions edged past the New Lynn Stags in a two-point thriller at home. Down 8-0 at the break, the Scorpions fought back in the second to take the lead, with a try in the dying minutes securing victory.
