The first round of Ruben Wiki Challenge Shield matches produced double winners in the Under-16 and Under -18 competitions at Cornwall Park on Saturday.
The championship is running over a month involving teams representing Akarana, Counties-Manukau and the Samoan community as well as a Vodafone Warriors Invitation team.
The competition, named in honour of the legendary Ruben Wiki, provides a pathway for the Auckland region's elite young players to join the Vodafone Warriors.
In Saturday's first-round matches the Akarana and Vodafone Warriors were winners in both divisions.
RUBEN WIKI CHALLENGE SHIELD | RESULTS
Under-16s
Akarana 52 (Kayal Iro 3, Antoni Vitale 3, Matthew Timoko 2, Asu Kepaoa tries; Regan McClennan 8 conversion).
Counties-Manukau 16 (Pinomi Tuuakiono, Nitoa Kairau, Antonio Aufai, Jermaine Tusa tries).
Halftime: 40-4 Akarana.
Vodafone Warriors Invitation 56 (Jay Te Kani 2, Paea Fotu 2, John Latu, Emmanuel Kelly, Xavier Stevens, Terrell Peita, Cheyne Morris-Taualofa, Keanu Ratuvaitavla-Aiolupu tries; Paea Fotu 8 conversions).
Samoa 12 (Adrian Ahsue, Junor Tuileisu tries; Adrian Ahsue conversion; Samuel Kamu conversion).
Halftime: 30-0 Vodafone Warriors.
Under-18s
Akarana 44 (Mark Graham 2, Jarvan Marsh 2, Elija Sufia, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Solomon Vasuvulagi, Utah Ioka tries; Mark Graham 3 conversions; Zae Wallace conversion; Dylan Tavita 2 conversions).
Counties Manukau 16 (Joshua Cooper, Sila Ulugia, Siave Togiou tries; Fine Vakautakala 2 conversions).
Halftime: 28-6 Counties-Manukau.
Vodafone Warriors Invitation 30 (Nela Mesake 2, Vito Sula-Siaosi 2, Jerome Mamea, Roimia Roi tries; Melino Fineanganofo 2 conversions; Jope Gaunavou conversion).
Samoa 18 (Samuelu Vaeagi 2, Zac Martin tries; Jordan Tagoai-Kaleto 3 conversions)
Halftime: 14-6 Vodafone Warriors.
