By Adam Blackwell
OBU: 41 Poneke: 13
A stern defensive effort combined with a slick attack saw Old Boys University Premiers beat Poneke at Kilbirnie park today, with OBU running in six tries to Poneke’s one.
OBU’s defence was strong all afternoon as Poneke’s only try came in the 70th minute through Alex Morrissey. OBU were down to fourteen men at that stage after Izzy Foai was given a yellow card as a result of repeated OBU penalties at the breakdown.
Whilst Poneke were happy to take shots at goal in the first half, OBU was far more attacking when they had the opportunity, turning down kickable penalties to instead kick for the corner or set down a scrum.
Their attacking game plan paid off as they were able to score three first-half tries whilst Poneke could only manage two penalties, leaving the score at 22-6 at the break.
The first try came from Finnbarr Kerr-Newell after a pick ‘n’ go close to the line, whilst the second was a forward’s delight, Teariki Ben-Nicholas the benefactor of a push-over try from a five-meter scrum.
Centre Matt Goosen added another on the stroke of halftime after a crafty individual effort from 30 meters out.
The start of the second half was quiet, with a Joe Hill try the only points scored in the first 30 minutes of the second frame. It came to life in the dying moments however, with OBU running in two late tries to push the final score out to 41-13.
Winger Trevahn Ta’ufo’ou scored in the 79th minute after Dale Sabbagh ripped the ball free 20 meters out from the line and shovelled it out to Ta’ufo’ou who scored in the corner.
Ta’ufo’ou was straight back in the action when he claimed the ensuing kickoff and danced his way down the sideline before passing to replacement loose forward Matt Sleith who ran in to score his first OBU try.
OBU return home next week to play Wainuiomata at Nairnville park.