CRL MASSETTI CUP 2020 – ROUND 4 WRAP
Muddy and wet conditions around the rugby league grounds of Canterbury failed to dampen the attacking spirit of the Massetti Cup teams, who defied the weather to run in 35 tries across four games on Saturday.
Halswell Hornets were the chief contributors to the tally, crossing 10 times in a 52-6 rout of visiting Celebration Lions.
The Hornets’ second win of 2020 was effectively sealed by halftime at 28-0 in front. Centre Dylan Gittings bagged a hat-trick while winger Tiri Taiuru dotted down for a double.
Northern Bulldogs stayed unbeaten at the top of the Massetti Cup table via a thrilling 30-20 victory over Eagles at Wainoni Park.
The Bulldogs held a slender 16-14 lead at the break but scored three tries to one in the second stanza, second-rower Cameron Godfrey finishing with a pair.
Linwood Keas prevailed 26-10 over Hornby Panthers in the 2016-19 Grand Final combatants’ first encounter of the season.
Keas fullback Jesse Rangihuna’s try was the only scoring play of the first half but the game opened up in the second 40. Andrew Auimatagi, the coach of the Keas’ four straight premiership decider wins against the Panthers, was one of the second-half try-scorers from five-eighth.
Riccarton Knights joined Linwood in a share of second place thanks to their third win of the season, a convincing 28-4 result against Papanui Tigers after leading by 12 at halftime.
Dynamic Knights fullback Jope Tagicakibau notched two of his side’s four tries.
Northern Bulldogs’ undefeated Canterbury Cup side also retained top spot on the premier reserves ladder with a 56-10 romp against Eastern Eagles. Promoted Division One clubs Burnham Chevaliers and Woolston Rams are level with the Bulldogs on 10 points, both yet to endure a loss. The Chevaliers got the points on Saturday after Papanui Tigers defaulted, while the Rams had the bye.
Halswell Hornets outlasted Ashburton Babarians 24-20 to improve to a 4-1 record, while Hornby Panthers got off the mark for 2020 and kept defending champs Linwood Keas winless via a 24-18 result.
CRL MASSETTI CUP MEN’S PREMIERSHIP ROUND 4 RESULTS
Halswell 52 (Dylan Gittings 3, Tiri Taiuru 2, Nick Evans, Jope Finau, Brodie Floris, Josh Everett, David Knight tries; Cameron Greig 6 goals) defeated Celebration Lions 6 (Kasi Leka try; Jarvis Ataera goal) at Halswell Domain
Northern Bulldogs 30 (Cameron Godfrey 2, Ethan Plaskett, Tom Mansfield, Vinnie Paul, Petaia Saukuru tries; Nathaniel Tirikatene 3 goals) defeated Eastern Eagles 20 (Isileli Ngauamo, Peneli Peneli, Mesiah Ngatuere, Joshua Afamasaga tries; Daniel Hartley 2 goals) at Wainoni Park
Linwood Keas 26 (Jesse Rangihuna, Matthew Sauni, Mapu Uasi, Andrew Auimatagi, Paul Sauni, Danny Latu tries; Ben Ilalio goal) defeated Hornby Panthers 10 (Charlie Charlie, Benji Heather tries; James Baxendale goal) at Linwood Park
Riccarton Knights 28 (Jope Tagicakibau 2, James Tongia, Michael Adams, Ken Petelu tries; Tele Elia 4 goals) defeated Papanui Tigers 4 (Reopoamo Aiiloilo try) at Papanui Domain
CRL CANTERBURY CUP PREMIER RESERVES ROUND 5 RESULTS
Halswell Hornets 24 defeated Ashburton Barbarians 20 at Halswell Domain
Northern Bulldogs 56 defeated Eastern Eagles 10 at Wainoni Park
Hornby Panthers 24 defeated Linwood Keas 18 at Linwood Park
Burnham Chevaliers defeated Papanui Tigers by default
