Match reports from Round Eight of the Fox Memorial Premiership Qualifiers and Round Five of the Fox Memorial Championship Qualifiers.
FOX MEMORIAL PREMIERSHIP QUALIFIERS:
Papakura 22 lost to Mt Albert 78
David Jardine-Ngauamo crossed for a hat-trick of tries as Mt Albert powered past Papakura. Cole Waaka, Wiremu Kaire and Josiah Afu all helped themselves to doubles as well.
Mangere East 46 defeated Bay Roskill 42
Mangere East emerged victorious in an 88-point thriller at Walter Massey Park. Junior Pita and James Dowie both scored two tries in the win, which saw Mangere East overcome an early 12-0 deficit.
Pt Chevalier 40 defeated Te Atatu 8
Co-captains Francis Leger and Patrick Sipley led Pt Chevalier to victory over Te Atatu, with Leger scoring a try and kicking six goals and Sipley registering a double. The Pirates remain undefeated through the first eight rounds and sit atop the standings.
Northcote 24 lost to Richmond 30
A second-half hat-trick from prop Sione Ngahe propelled Richmond to a six-point victory over Northcote, in a result which could go a long way to the Bulldogs avoiding relegation to the second-tier. Richmond led 10-6 at the break before Ngahe helped them out to a 28-10 lead, but they had to survive a late Northcote comeback to pick up their second win of the year.
Howick 26 defeated Marist 14
Howick got back to winning ways after suffering back-to-back losses in the last fortnight, edging past a valiant Marist outfit, thanks in large to the efforts of Roydon Gillett. The powerful centre scored a try and was a pillar of strength in defence, in a match which saw Howick lead 14-0 at half time.
Glenora 14 defeated Otahuhu 10
The Glenora Bears survived a late scare to hold onto the Roope Rooster challenge trophy and maintain their unbeaten record in 2021. Trailing 10-0 at the break, Otahuhu fought back despite having a man in the bin for 10 minutes and were in the match right up until the final minute. Bears fullback Dean Kouka-Smith was their standout, scoring a try and troubling the Leopards’ defence all day.
FOX MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS:
Hibiscus Coast 88 defeated Papatoetoe 6
Korey Craig scored six tries to make it 11 in his last two games, as Hibiscus Coast ran in a big victory over Papatoetoe. The Raiders led 52-0 at half-time.
Manukau 62 defeated Waitemata 14
Wing Jacob Masoe grabbed a hat-trick of tries, while fellow backline members Taunga Arama, Tamore Nati and Samuel Nati all crossed twice in Manukau’s big win against Waitemata.
Pakuranga 28 defeated Manurewa 26
Pakuranga overcame a half-time deficit to beat Manurewa at home, with fullback Viliami Kuli starring with three tries. The Marlins had led 16-12 at the break before Pakuranga powered home for a win which puts them back in position to secure promotion to the Championship competition proper.
