Waimate deserve top spot

Waimate are the Dunn Cup (1st Round Leaders) champions after downing Celtic 36-22 in the final game of the round.

It is the first time since 2001 Waimate have upended Celtic at Alpine Energy Stadium and the defending champions have some work to do if they hope to claim their 10^th title in a row.

The result meant Waimate were unbeaten through the first round and they did it in impressive style running in five tries to Celtic’s four as they had the measure of them across the paddock. Celtic were not helped however by two yellow cards.

Waimate were first to score after a bust from first five Miles Medlicott. Halfback Theo Davidson backed up and then found No.8 Timote Tuipulotu.

The trio were key figures in Waimate’s win and Tuipulotu must be pushing for a Heartland spot.

Celtic’s reply came quickly through Matt Fetu in the unaccustomed role of hooker.

Waimate scored their second through second five Sione Faaoso, who is another big improver, off the back of a Medlicott move.

Davidson added a penalty for Waimate to be up 15-5 at the break but they had blown a couple of try scoring opportunities.

Tuipulotu then had his second try backing up a great run from Davidson after fullback Dan Patterson cut back in to wrong foot the Celtic defence.

Celtic then bounced back when open side Nick Strachan timed his pass perfectly for fullback Jamie Gallagher to score after some good work close to the line.

With 60 minutes gone Patterson sealed it for Waimate when he shimmied out wide beat the defence with a 40m run to score and then added the conversion to be up 29-10.

Celtic then put the pressure on but substitute loose forward Eafou Tagaia put in a couple of try saving tackles. Finally Celtic went over when centre Mike Asola ran the perfect angle to score.

Waimate’s Mosese Aho and Celtic’s Aiden Barnes-Webber rounded out the scoring but the damage had been done.

Geraldine grab fourth

It was a simple equation - whoever won was fourth and a late try settled it with Geraldine edging out Temuka 31-28 in an entertaining encounter.

Geraldine also grabbed a four try bonus point, which could prove important, with Marac Beckham, Brad Clark. Kadin Te Nana, Hugh Jackson and Taine Young all dotting down.

Beckham was forced to play his first game at prop because of injuries and shone.

Halfback Te Nana was superb, directing play well with some clever kicking. He also stole a try with a brilliant intercept off his opposite number. Young also played very well on the wing and landed three conversions.

For the Magpies No.8 Semisi Paseka had a strong game, giving his side plenty of go-forward while locks Paula Fonokalifi and Solomoni Lavaka impressed. Centre Fautau Otto was the best of the backs.

Mackenzie maul Old Boys

An injury decimated Old Boys held the Rams scoreless for the first 20 minutes before the flood gates opened, with the Rams running in nine tries in a 57-14 win, including a hat trick to wing Isefo Senibua.

Mackenzie’s youngsters were amongst the action with hooker Phil Knubley, lock Matt Roy and second five Thomas Clarke all impressing.

Old hands Charlie Aho and Jared Trevathan had excellent games, with Trevathan also scoring two tries.

For Old Boys open side Mikey Norman gave it his all while Brad Leonard guided the backline at first five, as well as grabbing a try along with front rower Robert Hough.

Point edges Harlequins

It wasn’t the most convincing win for the Mud Dogs but the important thing it was it kept them in contention for fourth spot with a 33-29 victory over Harlequins.

Both sides had to stretch their resources after injury hit squads and Harlequins went back to the future with Vai Savieti starting at hooker and Sione ‘Tui” Tauelangi on the bench while Point lost Ben Hewitson and Josh Craig-Bradley in their warm-up.

Harlequins put in a decent performance and led 19-18 at halftime but couldn’t hang on

For Point loose forwards Jack Kingsford and Cameron Lyon had big games while former Canterbury Maori rep Kayne Robinson put in a polished performance at first five.

Harlequins best were fullback Sean White and second five Roy Peters while Ben Dewsberry stood out at lock.

Next Saturday

Waimate travel to Mackenzie for the most intriguing match-up of the round. It is never easy for visitors to Strathconan Park and the Rams will be keen for an upset.

Harlequins host Temuka at Alpine Energy Stadium and it might be a tougher match-up than the Magpies expect.

Pleasant Point will likely face the wrath of Celtic at Alpine, after the defending champions went down to Waimate.

Geraldine head to School Park to take on Old Boys and will be looking for five competition points to keep their momentum going.