By Adam Blackwell
OBU: 20 MSP: 10
Old Boys-University remains unbeaten at the top of the Hardham Cup after they beat Marist St Pats in a tightly contested match for the second time this season.
The first meeting between the two sides this year came in round six of the Swindale Shield where OBU were 15-10 victors, this time around they came out on top once again, winning 20-10.
After dominating the first 30-minutes of the second half, OBU had to defend their line for the majority of the final 10-minutes. However, they were able to withstand multiple MSP quick taps and five-meter scrums to hold on for a hard-fought win.
MSP’s James Tuia opened the scoring before OBU hit back with a try of their own from a rolling maul following a line-out five-meters from the opposition line.
This saw the two teams go into the halftime break with the score 5-7 in favour of MSP.
After halftime that became 8-7 to OBU when Dale Sabbagh slotted a penalty kick following a long period of play in the MSP half.
Trevahn Ta’ufo’ou then extended the OBU lead to 13-7 after about 60-minutes when Sam Reid drew in the winger and was able to loop the ball over to Ta’ufo’ou to score.
MSP cut into the lead with a James Procter penalty kick from beyond halfway, making the score 13-10 with 15-minutes to play.
OBU would then hit back as Ty Poe scored in the corner after the ball was spun wide following multiple phases of pick ‘n’ go’s.
OBU have a bye next week before returning to action against Johnsonville on the June 29.