Article from Auckland Rugby

Suburbs has not taken a backwards step since their inspirational Gallaher Shield victory last July, today claiming the Waka Nathan Challenge Cup at Western Springs Stadium.

Today’s success was built on aggressive defence and expansive back play, Suburbs sending a clear message to the competition that they will once again be a force in 2017.

While Ponsonby was able to contain Suburbs for long periods through the middle of the match, Suburbs secured the 31-15 win.

It was the home team that put the first points on the board however. Will Talataina-Mu sliced through the Suburbs back line to put Danny Tusitala away for the opening try. The conversion fell clear and the early lead was 5-0.

It didn’t take long for Suburbs to strike back, and it was through their danger man Lolagi Visinia.

Suburbs claimed their own kick off and sent the ball side to side to spread the Ponsonby defence. A hole opened up for hooker Dillan Halaholo and quick ball to Visinia saw the scores levelled at 5 all.

Visinia linked with younger brother Sebastian to set up Suburbs’ second try, again creating an overlap which saw Sailosi Vatubua go over for his first of the match.

Captain Carl Perry got in on the action on the stroke of quarter time, he glided through the Ponsonby defence from close range to score, converting his own he put the score out to 17-5 at the break.

The second quarter so no scoring, Ponsonby had their fair share of ball but the defensive pressure from Suburbs meant they couldn’t get the ball to their pacey back three.

A number of penalties gave them good field position, but poor handling quashed any potential opportunities.

They got it right early in the second however, Shigeru Kohiyama broke through the ruck and Sam Slade got Ponsonby up to the 22. A kick through the line looked destined to go dead but Tusitala had other ideas, pouncing on it for his second of the day.

Ill-discipline saw Ponsonby receive two yellow cards in the third quarter, their defence holding strong while a man down for 20 minutes.

Valentino Mapapalangi fended off a Posnonby defender to put Jona Sawailau away to open the final quarter, Suburbs extending their lead to 24-10.

Suburbs kept the pressure on and went in for their fifth try, winger Vatubua getting a double.

Ponsonby had the final say of the match, Freedom Vaha’akolo catching a cross field kick in the in goal for the points.
The conversion once against fell clear, final score 31-15.

Suburbs 31 (S Vatubua 2, L Visinia, C Perry, J Sawailau tries, C Perry 3 con)
Ponsonby 15 (D Tusitala 2, F Vaha’akolo 1 tries)