University A captured the Speight's Challenge Shield when they scored eight tries to outclass Zingari-Richmond 46-8 at the University Oval in Dunedin premier club rugby yesterday.
The students are the only unbeaten team and only need to draw next week's game against Taieri to capture the Speight's Cup as winner of the first round of the competition.
The standout player for the students was consistent No 8 Paul Grant who did everything right and impressed with his mastery of the basic skills.
The upset of the round came at the North Ground when last year's champions were beaten 25-14 by a determined Harbour side with South African Eben Joubert in top form and dominating the breakdown.
The students lead the competition with 17 points and are followed by Southern 15, Alhambra-Union 11, Harbour, Dunedin and Pirates 10, Kaikorai and Zingari 9, Taieri 4 and Green Island 3.
HARBOUR..................................25
ALHAMBRA-UNION..................14
Harbour 25 (Siaosi Folau, Aaron Bancroft, Pete Mirrielees tries; Johnny Hughes 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals), Alhambra-Union 14 (Jone Paumau try; Peter Breen 3 penalty goals). Halftime: Harbour 18-3.
Referee: Tim Baker.
PIRATES.........................................31
KAIKORAI......................................5
Pirates 31 (Garth Swan, Anthony Teaupa 2 tries; Glen Dickson 2 conversions, 4 penalty goals), Kaikorai 5 (Bevan Passmore try). Halftime: Pirates 6-5.
Referee: Todd Pullar.
UNIVERSITY A...............................................................46
ZINGARI-RICHMOND......................................................8
University A 46 (Brett Mather, Ryan Grant, Hamish Johnstone 2, Nick Currie, Paul Grant, Simon Forrest, Jeremy Aldworth tries; Brad Nichol 2 conversions, Henry McLernon conversion), Zingari Richmond 8 (Charley Henley try; Jonny Noakes penalty goal). Halftime: University A 22-3.
Referee: Ross Barnett.
SOUTHERN..........................31
TAIERI....................................12
Southern 31 (Simon Knight, Jed Vercoe, Ollie Spence, Julius Glasson, Luke Herden tries; Craig Sneddon 3 conversions) Taieri 12 (Michael Witt, Jared Campbell tries; Michael Witt conversion). Halftime: Southern 19-7.
Referee: Scott Taylor.
DUNEDIN.........................................18
GREEN ISLAND.................................17
