Hawks score upset victory

By Frank Neill

The Johnsonville Hawks created one of the major upsets in the 6 May round of Wellington Rugby’s Swindale Shield Competition when they defeated Old Boys University 27-14.

OBU went into the match unbeaten this year and would have fancied their chances when they visited Helston Park.

The Hawks, however, dominated play for most of the match to chalk up a convincing win.

Outstanding defence saw the

Hawks keep OBU scoreless for the first 40 minutes, while their halfback Mark Sutton kicked three penalties to give Johnsonville a 9-0 lead half an hour into the game.

OBU was hot on attack late in the first half, but the Hawks defence held firm.

Just before the half time break Johnsonville’s centre, Aukuso Tuitama, secured an intercept and ran half the length of the field to score the Hawk’s first try.

When Mark kicked an outstanding conversion from the side line, John- sonville led 16-0 at the break.

The Hawks extended their lead to 19-0 when Mark kicked his fourth penalty.

They then further extended the margin to 24-0 when right wing Finlay Sharp scored the Hawk’s second try.

OBU then looked to mount a comeback, dominating both possession and territory and were rewarded with a converted try.

The visitors continued to dominate, but the Johnsonville defence held firm and they then went onto the attack and came close to scoring a try. However OBU had conceded a penalty in thwarting the Hawks attack and Mark was successful with the kick.

A late try by OBU was not enough, however, giving the Hawks the upset victory.

The other unbeaten team in the competition, Upper Hutt Rams were also on the wrong end of an upset lost to Hutt Old Boys Marist Eagles 48-35.

The Hawks’ next match is against second placed Paremata Plimmerton at Helston Park on 13 May.

Wellington were not the happiest of campers, going down to Petone 6-0.

Seatoun and Palmerston North ground out a nil 0-0 draw and Wellington United were 4-0 winners over Victoria University.

In the premier women’s competition, Northern United also notched up a victory against a previously unbeaten team when they beat Petone 24-12 at Onepoto Park. Norths dominated the first half to lead 19-7 at the break. A much more even second half saw both teams score five points.

Norths lead the women’s premier competition for the Rebecca Liua’ana Trophy with 23 points, while Marist St Pats and Petone sit on 20 points.