CRL MASSETTI CUP ROUND 4 WRAP

Photo Credit: Dai Roberts

Linwood, Hornby and Northern have further solidified their status as the likely Massetti Cup ‘big three’ of 2018, while Halswell have broken away from the bottom half of the competition with a second straight victory in a wet and wild Round 4 of the men’s premiership.

The Keas romped to a 58-20 victory over Aranui Eagles in the ‘Battle of the Birds’/‘Battle of the East’ after building a 16-point halftime advantage.

Willie Yeow notched a hat-trick and Chanel Feala bagged a double for the defending champs.

The Bulldogs retained a share of second spot with a hard-fought 22-10 win over Riccarton Knights, who were celebrating their Club Day at Crosbie Park.

Winger Waesea Rogojawa scored two tries and veteran front-rower Chris Bamford put his name on the scoresheet for the fourth game in a row – taking his season tally to a remarkable six tries – for the Bulldogs, who held a slender 10-6 lead at halftime.

Lock Rob Nepia and winger Matty Pittman scored the vanquished Knights’ tries.

The Panthers made it three in a row and consigned Papanui Tigers to a third straight defeat with a 28-16 result at Leslie Park.

The hosts were just 6-4 in front at halftime but scored four tries to two in the second stanza to kick clear of the plucky Tigers, with powerhouse winger Charlie Charlie finishing with a double.

The Hornets took sole possession of fourth spot with a 24-12 defeat of Celebration Lions at Halswell Domain, scoring two tries to one in each half.

Rob Faalilo’s side started the season 0-2, but consecutive wins over the Tigers and Lions have taken them clear of the chasing pack.

The Lions, Tigers, Knights and Eagles are tied for fifth place on one win apiece.

CRL MASSETTI CUP LADDER: Linwood 8, Northern 6, Hornby 6, Halswell 4, Celebration 2, Aranui 2, Riccarton 2, Papanui 2.