CRL MASSETTI CUP ROUND 9 WRAP

Northern Bulldogs gave the strongest indication yet they are a force to be reckoned with in 2018, upsetting second-placed Hornby Panthers 24-20 at Leslie Park in Round 9 of the Massetti Cup.

The Bulldogs led 12-10 at halftime overcame a two-point deficit midway through the second half to snatch the win, which saw them join the Panthers on 14 competition points.

Vinnie Paul and Jason Bamford were the standouts for Northern.

Defending premiers Linwood Keas extended their lead at the top of the table to four points, staying unbeaten via a 30-0 rout of bottom-placed Riccarton Knights.

Erwin Sauni – teaming up with brother Matt in the centres – scored two tries, while Alex Todd, Alani Kakoi, Shane Bowden and Willie Yeow all found their way over the stripe.

Halswell and Papanui entered Round 9 locked on six points, but it was the Hornets who took sole possession of fourth spot with a 36-26 victory at Halswell Domain.

The Hornets built an 18-6 halftime lead and managed to hold off a spirited Tigers rally after the break.

Hornets five-eighth Sean Scott racked up 20 points from two tries and six goals, while Cyrus Timo-Latu and Isaac Maliota each finished with doubles for the Tigers.

Aranui Eagles earned a share of fifth place on the ladder with their third win of the season, outlasting Celebration Lions 14-10 at Cuthberts Green.

Aranui led 8-4 at halftime and maintained that four-point advantage in the second stanza. Klayton Waikato and Joshua Afamasaga scored the Eagles’ tries, while Muipu Nati and Kasiano Petelo crossed for the Lions, but the visitors’ goalkicking proved the difference.

Photo Credit: Dai Roberts

????CRL MASSETTI CUP RD 9 SCORES
????Halswell 36-26 Papanui
????Linwood 30-0 Riccarton
????Aranui 14-10 Celebration
????Northern 24-20 Hornby 
????POINTS: Linwood 18, Hornby 14, Northern 14, Halswell 8, Papanui 6, Aranui 6, Celebration 4, Riccarton 2.