Taieri powered to a shock 55-26 win against University in a top-of-the-table clash at Peter Johnstone Park this afternoon. Eels winger Joe Cockburn was in wonderful touch, while Josh Whaaga had a stunning game in the midfield. But it was Taieri’s pack who seized control of the game, while loose forward trio Tom Bolton, Nick Henderson and Sam Fischli were dominant. The win lifted Taieri into first place and they secured the Speight’s Jug for winning the first round. The win was not so surprising.
But the manner in which they won will have captured the attention of the other teams in the competition. It was impressive. Elsewhere, Dunedin upset Green Island 52-24 at Miller Park. That result was a surprise as well. The Sharks have been struggling. In the other two games, Harbour brushed aside Alhambra-Union 59-12 at the North Ground, and Kaikorai dispatched Zingari-Richmond 66-20 at Bishopscourt.
Taieri, University, Peter Johnstone Park, Speight’s Jug, Dunedin, Green Island, Miller Park, Harbour, Alhambra-Union, Kaikorai, Zingari-Richmond, Bishopscourt