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Shrouded in a coat of fog, the Suburbs team got about their business in a clinical fashion at Shadbolt Park, running out 36-0 winners over Ponsonby on Saturday.

While the first half was somewhat of a stalemate, a Carl Perry try against the run of play the only scoring play, the home team ran away with the game in the second half. 

Their highly vaunted backline was forced to take a back seat to hat trick hero, hooker-cum-flanker Leif Schwencke.

Suburbs outside backs Bruno Tuivai and Jona Sawailau linked well in early exchanges, putting the home team in good attacking position. These didn’t result in points but Suburbs were first to cross the try line, against the run of play.

Sawailau raced out of the line to tackle Ponsonby fullback Pryor Collier who slinked past his opposite. Collier threw a wild off load which Sawailau was able to collect and pass on to Carl Perry in support.

Perry was unable to convert his efforts, Suburbs had the 5-0 lead which they were to hold to the half time break.

Throughout the half Ponsonby had a large share of possession and worked hard at building phases. There was just no way through the aggressive Suburbs defence.

Ponsonby first five-eighths Will Talataina-Mu was unable to add to his 97 points this season, missing two attempts at goal.

Suburbs opened the second half with renewed vigour and after a dull opening spell gave the crowd something to cheer for.

Schwencke was at the end of not one, not two but three second half tries. His first was in just the second minute, barging over from close range. Perry converted for a 12-0 lead.

He was in again just have minutes later this time in the other corner and Suburbs were all sudden in a strong 17-0 position early in the second half.

Ponsonby did have opportunities in the second spell, a line out drive got close to the line before being bundled into touch, and a try saving tackle from Sailosi Vatubua stopped a sure five pointer.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Ponsonby, first five eighths Will Talataina-Mu kicked well in the field of play and young flanker Aleks Dabek tackled himself to a standstill.

They were, however, let down by ill-discipline and three second half yellow cards meant Suburbs could capitalise on the numbers advantage. 

Schwencke was in again after a Suburbs line out drive, securing his hat trick with just over ten minutes to play.

The Suburbs backs got in on he try scoring action late in the match, replacement Rameka Paraki selling a perfect dummy to go in under the posts while Milford Keresoma closed out the performance with a try in the corner. Final score 36-0.

The result sees Suburbs top the table in the Alan McEvoy Memorial Shield round with three wins from three, while Ponsonby have the one win to their name. 

Suburbs 36 ( L Schwencke 3, C Perry, R Parakai, M Keresoma tries, C Perry 3 conv)
Ponsonby 0 ( tries, conv, pen) Halftime: 5-0