CRL MASSETTI CUP 2020: ROUND 6 WRAP
Big scorelines and huge tryscoring hauls were the order of the day in Round 6 of the CRL Massetti Cup men’s premiership.
Eastern Eagles scored 48 unanswered points in the second half to run out 72-16 winners against Celebration Lions at Wainoni Park.
Hooker Josh Ka was the chief destroyer in the Eastside derby with a stunning five-try swag.
Fullback Mapu Uasi stole the spotlight in Linwood Keas’ 32-12 defeat of Riccarton Knights, finishing with four tries.
Uasi scored two twice in each half as the defending premiers turned an 18-8 halftime lead into a comfortable win. The result saw the Keas retain top spot on the ladder, with the Knights slipping to third.
Halswell Hornets leapfrogged Hornby Panthers into fourth with a 22-14 westside derby victory. The Hornets led 14-10 at the break before scoring three tries to one in the second stanza, winger Jope Finau posting a double.
Northern Bulldogs moved back into second with an emphatic 50-24 win over Papanui Tigers – despite trailing at halftime.
The Tigers were on course for an upset when they led 18-16 at the change of ends, but the Bulldogs piled on seven tries to one in the second half. Centre Atunaisa Takubu and halfback Zac Riley both chalked up doubles for the Bulldogs, who have won five of their six matches in 2020.
CRL MASSETT CUP ROUND 6 RESULTS
Eastern Eagles 72 (Josh Ka 5, Klayton Waikato, Peneli Peneli, Mesiah Asi, Junior Peneli, Joseph Smith, Michael Ropiha, Apelu Tanielu, Rezyn Timo-Latu tries; Junior Peneli 6, Peneli Peneli, Waikato, Cyrus Timo Latu goals) defeated Celebration Lions 16 (Teniela Leka, Abraham Fonmoa, Matthew Molioo tries; Leka 2 goals) at Wainoni ParK
Linwood Keas 32 (Mapu Uasi 4, Matthew Sauni, Will Yeow, Ben Ilalio tries; Uasi, Michael Nicholls-Cane goals) defeated Riccarton Knights 12 (Jope Tagicakibau, James Tongia, Luke Bradley tries) at Linwood Park
Halswell Hornets 22 (Jope Finau 2, Scott MacDonald, Brody Greig, Alex Levien tries; Greig goal) defeated Hornby Panthers 14 (Sincere Harroway, Taualai Taualai, Keletisia Tongatonga tries; Benji Heather goal) at Halswell Domain
Northern Bulldogs 50 (Atunaisa Takubu 2, Zac Riley 2, Nick Wain, Petaia Saukuru, Vinnie Paul, Kayne Smith, Lucuster Mati, Viliame Koroi tries; Manu Tipio 4 goals) defeated Papanui Tigers 24 (Lupe Sini Fa, Hayden Thompson, Niko Tauamiti, Sua Ailoilo tries; Thompson 4 goals) at Papanui Domain
CRL CANTERBURY CUP ROUND 7 RESULTS
Halswell Hornets 50 defeated Hornby Panthers 16
Eastern Eagles 38 defeated Ashburton Barbarians 16
Woolston Rams 22 drew with Northern Bulldogs 22
Linwood Keas 18 defeated Burnham Chevaliers
Photo Credit: Seta Timo