CLUB RUGBY:

Clifton wing Indiha Sao Tui-Huta scored a hat trick of tries in his club’s strong 32-17 win against Southern at the Tikorangi Domain.

The win means Clifton move into fourth position in the CMK competition equal with Tukapa after scoring five tries to three. 

Sao Tui-Huta’s first two tries were scored in similar fashion, the opening try came within three minutes of kick off, as Clifton stretched their opposition wide.

The third try was scored in the second half when talented back Kini Naholo made a break inside his own half. Eventually, Sao Tui-Huta received a pass and stepped around two defenders to score under the posts.

Clifton’s attack opened up in the second half as they lead 12-7 at the break. 

Clifton utility back, Liam Blyde, played his 50^th match for the club.

Taranaki wing Jackson Ormond scored a try for Southern.

Despite losing to Tukapa 30-19, Coastal maintain their lead in the competition.

Within the opening 20 minutes, Tukapa had the dominance in the match leading 14-7 and 27-7 at halftime. Coastal scored a penalty try after their scrum appeared strong in the opening half  

Tukapa threw the ball wide with freedom creating overlaps on the wing.

Coastal attempted to come back in the second half but only managed to score one try.

Despite losing points before the weekend, Tukapa are still serious contenders in the competition.

For the second week in a row, Spotswood United has scored 40 points against their opposition, this time beating Inglewood 41-29 at TET Stadium.

Last weekend, Spotswood United beat Clifton 46-27 meaning they have scored the highest number of points in the competition.

Spotswood United scored six tries to four, with the majority of Inglewood’s points coming in the second half as they trailed 22-3 at the break.

In the remaining match, defending champions New Plymouth Old Boys pipped Stratford/Eltham 21-19 at Victoria Park. 

Stratford/Eltham scored three first half tries to get out to a strong 19-7 lead at the break.

However, the second half was all Old Boys as they scored 14 unanswered second half points. The last try came after a patient build up with three minutes remaining that ensured their sixth win of the season.

After 12 weeks of the competition, Coastal lead with 29 points, followed by Spotswood United (26), New Plymouth Old Boys (23), Tukapa and Clifton (22), Inglewood (20), Stratford/Eltham (16) and Southern (14).

Article added: Sunday 16 June 2019