Our Pakuranga senior teams went four from four on the weekend with impressive performances across the board.

Our Premiers and Premier Development teams travelled across the Panmure Bridge to face Marist, the Premiers in search of their first competition win and the PD’s looking to go two from two – mission complete.

Starting out with the premier development in what was the tightest encounter of the weekend, they went tit-for-tat with their Marist counterparts. Winger Wilson Fuata opened the scoring with an early try while hooker Jono Pearce also crossed for a try for a narrow 12-7 lead at the break.

Showing his versatility playing in the number 10 jersey, Des Spooner opened the second half scoring with a try,  second five-eighth George Emosi added 14 points to the score card (two tries and two conversions) with Josiah Macnamara scoring the winner on full time.

The Premier match got off to a flying start with Marist scoring in the opening minute, and us responding just minutes later with a try to Cam Finefeuiaki. On debut on the wing, Sione Fifita scored midway through the first half before a late Marist try saw scores locked 10 all at the break.

A strong second half performance from the premiers held out Marist on defence while running in four tries. Niukala Osika, who has returned to Pakuranga after playing age-grade rugby at the club, nabbed two tries while Marc Holer and Steph Tabaillou also added to the score sheet.

The Under 85kg Panthers kicked off their competition season against the Varsity Slugs and did so celebrating loose forward Ryan Napier’s 50th match. Penalties dominated the opening exchanges before second five-eighths Damn Daniel Devane scored a five pointer for an 11-6 half time lead. 

The Panthers held out the Slugs in the second half while prop Shaldon la Grange crossed for a try and Riki McGregor slotted a penalty for a 19-6 victory.

The Under 21s had the most dominant win of the weekend, beating College Rifles 51-7 to go two from two.

Riley Harrison opened the scoring with an early penalty before five first half tries for a 32-0 scoreline at the break. Our wingers showed their skills with Bray Thaivichith-hoera dotting down twice and John Taumoepeau once, while halfback Finley Dixon and Captain Gijsbert Els also crossed for five pointers.

Three more three in the second spell for Elkanah Petelo, Sean Carter and Oliver Hughson, along with two more conversion off the boot of Harrison saw the 21s notch up over half a century of points, while Rifles crossed for a late consolation try.

Under 21 51 (Bray Thaivichith-hoera (2),  John Taumoepeau, , Gijsbert Els, Finley Dixon, Elkanah Petelo, Sean Carter, Oliver Hughson tries, Riley Harrison 3 con, 1 pen, Jono Little 1 con)
College Rifles 7

Under 85kg 19 (Daniel Devane, Shaldon la Grange tries, Kyle Johnson 2 pen, Riki McGregor 1 pen)
University 6

Premiers 34 (Niukula Osika 2, Cam Finefeuiaki, Sione Fifita, Marc Holzer, Steph Tabaillou tries, Cam James 1 con, Pasqualle Dunn 1 con)
Marist 10

Premier Development 36 (George Emosi 2, Des Spooner, Wilson Fuata, Jono Pearce, Josiah Macnamaratries, Fea Puamoto 1 con, George Emosi 2 con
Marist 29

Article added: Monday 17 April 2023