6 May Premier Results and Match Report

Takapuna 20 Massey 19
Western 18 Silverdale 16
Glenfield 43 Northcote 24
(Les Pearce Memorial Shield)
East Coast Bays 29 North Shore 19

For the first time this season, front runners Massey have been knocked off the top rung of the log after being pipped, 20-19, by Takapuna, in an upset.

Takapuna started strongly with three good tries before the halftime break, to fullback Junior Tofa-Va'a, loose forward Jordan Manihera, and Rupeni Saduadua.

Little did they realise that would be their tryscoring lot as Massey worked their way back into the game to score two of their own, to halves Nalu Tuigamala and Regan Oxenham.

In the final analysis, the boot of Jon Elrick, as he has done so often, was decisive, even though he was not 100 percent off the tee. Takapuna thus clinch the 'Big Willie Trophy', named after former Takapuna player Willie Halaifonua, who lost his life after the 2013 fixture between the two clubs.

Bottom-placed Silverdale proved the surprise package of the day, pushing table-topping Western Pioneers to 18-16. A double to Pita Volavola was gold for the Pioneers, while former Poverty Bay No 10 Clayton Kiwara kicked three goals for Silverdale.Manawatu halfback Jamie Booth scored two tries and former Bay of Plenty midfielder Cory Aporo another as East Coast Bays tipped over North Shore 29-19, usurping the Les Pearce Memorial Shield in the process. It was not enough to push Bays into the top four, but they are poised, three competition points behind Shore. Matt Hodson scored 14 points for Bays, including a try. Bays were fired up and were determined to keep Shore at bay.

Glenfield got their campaign back on track with the biggest margin of the day, defeating a Northcote side 43-24 that never gave the chase away but were ultimately outgunned and outclassed. Michael Little and Matt Peri each scored a brace.

With only 10 points now separating the top six teams, and the front-runners being knocked off in successive weeks, the competition is proving very even.