Magpies pluck the Rams

Temuka kept their top four chances alive with an upset 31-28 over Mackenzie in Fairlie.

The Magpies are renowned to be better in the second round and the win closed the gap and they are in striking distance of the Rams.

Waimate remain on top of the championship after surviving a close call against Geraldine at Manchester Park, getting home 12-10.

The results did not change the standings on the table but condensed them.

Waimate remain on top with 44 points with Celtic on 41, Geraldine 31 and Mackenzie on 30.

Temuka sit on 27, within striking distance of a semi-final spot while Pleasant Point are still just in contention with 24. Temuka prop Annam Mana proved an unlikely hero for the Magpies with a barn storming run to snatch the match winning try.

Temuka led 21-7 at halftime and while Mackenzie rallied in the second half they fell just short, punished for making too many mistakes.

The visitors had several standouts, including Mana in his first full game of the season. Lock Solomone Lavaka also had a strong game with Scotsman David Hall impressing on the wing.

For Mackenzie centre Setefano Sauqaqa was a standout, even getting involved in the forwards trying to spark something while young lock Matthew Roy also impressed.

Geraldine unlucky

Waimate will consider themselves very fortunate to win by two points after Geraldine pounded their line late in the game.

Geraldine were denied a match winning try when the referee ruled the ball held up.

The visitors took it to Waimate right from the start and it was only when the hosts ran on some handy substitutes did they find some rhythm.

Halfback Theo Davidson added plenty of energy as did loose forwards Eafou Tagiaia and Tomote Tuipoulotu, while wing Matt Hayman had a strong game.

For Geraldine loose forward BJ Oliver was superb, scoring both tries, while Andrew Gooden also had another strong game.

In the backs the midfield of Gideon Snow and Matt Dickson impressed with Snow hard to stop.

Celtic in cruise control

Celtic were far too good for Harlequins running away with the game midway through the second half to win 55-12.

The defending champions depth on the bench meant they accelerated away from a tiring Harlequins late in the game.

In the first half Harlequins were much better the 21-7 score line suggested but two long range intercept tries by Celtic’s second five Zac Saunders and Jarrad Mannex had them in control.

Celtic had plenty of top performers with lock Matt Stewart, prop Garret Casey and blindside Jarred Gilmour impressing in the pack while first five Mark Gloag, Saunders and Mannex added plenty to the attack.

For Harlequins prop Timaru Tafa gave it everything in his 150^th game, and in a nice touch both sides applauded him off the field.

Halfback Jordan Hooke also impressed while wing Sireli Buliruarua looked dangerous ball in hand.

Mud Dogs show bite

Old Boys again showed plenty of heart but couldn’t match it with Pleasant Point going down 50-10.

The Mud Dogs ran in eight tries with second five Don Farmer running in a double. In the pack lock Luke Brice and No.8 Mana Taylor stood out.

Old Boys best were blindside Phillip Richardson, first five Brad Leonard and fullback Brad Tunniclffe.

Next Saturday

With the championship getting towards the business end Pleasant Point will need to tip up leaders Waimate or at least grab a couple of competition points to remain in contention for a top four spot.

The Mud Dogs have the advantage of the game being at home and if they click are a chance.

Likewise Geraldine face Celtic and will be conscious they also need something out of the game, with Temuka and Mackenzie in striking range of third place.

The Rams will be looking for a bonus point win over Harlequins at Alpine Energy Stadium to get back on track while Temuka are likely to be too big and strong upfront for Old Boys at School Park.

UC Championship

Roncalli Aoraki Combined notched up their first win of the 2018 UC Championship with an excellent 17-6 win over Ashburton Combined.

It is Roncalli’s second win in four years in the tough championship after downing Burnside late last year. The victory also lifts them off the bottom of the table and will add some confidence to the team.

It was a tight tussle in the first half with the score tied at 6-all, courtesy of two penalties to first five Ben Thompson.

Roncalli Aoraki captain Freddy Vereivalu scored a try early in the second half, and two further penalties by Thompson gave the hosts some breathing space.

Vereivalu and lock Siale Siale carried the ball very well, while blindside Robbie Morrison was also prominent on attack and defence. Openside Jack Pratt also made some crucial tackles.

Thomson varied the play well at 10, with some excellent tactical kicking and couple of nice runs.

Wing Lian Brown made a couple of strong runs while second five William Johnson defended well.

Timaru Boys’ High School First XV struggled against St Andrew’s on Monday in their regular interschool in Christchurch going down 50-19.

TBHS allowed STAC too much room, especially in the midfield, and they capitalised running in some excellent tries.

For TBHS front rowers Ben Sands and captain Shane Fikken toiled away well while TJ Lensley impressed at No.8.