Mangere East picked up its first win while Mount Albert, Point Chevalier and Howick are the only unbeaten sides after just two weeks of the Fox Memorial premiership. Here's a summary of all the games from the second round:
Mt Albert 14 Northcote 12
A late surge got Mt Albert home against Northcote, after scores had been locked at 8-all at the break. The decision to kick a penalty goal right on halftime proved key for Mt Albert, which was led well by young prop Sala Falelua-Malio. Northcote outscored the Lions three tries to two, and will rue missed conversions which made all the difference in the end.
Glenora 24 Papakura 10
The defending champion avenged its round one defeat by putting away the Papakura Sea Eagles at Harold Moody Reserve in west Auckland. A double to Philippines international John Nicodemus did much of the damage for the Bears, while young hooker Phoenix Hunt was a standout for Papakura.
Howick 22 Otahuhu 14
The Howick Hornets fought back from an 8-14 deficit at half-time to beat Otahuhu and clock their second victory of the new season. Coach Shaun Clark credited the strong impact of his bench, who turned the game early in the second half. Veteran prop Tony Tuia was another standout, playing 70 minutes in the middle of the park. While they missed out on the two points, the Leopards will take plenty of confidence from footing it with last-year’s semi-finalists.
Pt Chevalier 37 Richmond 26
The Konica Minolta Roope Rooster is staying at Walker Park, after Pt Chevalier got the better of Richmond in a high-scoring match. After trailing at half-time, Richmond opened the second period with two quick-fire tries to claw its way back but was made to pay for a horror 10-minute period midway through the half which saw it leak three tries in quick succession.
Mangere East 26 Marist 20
After trailing for the first 75 minutes, Mangere East stormed home to pick up its first victory of the year at the expense of the Marist Saints. Scores were locked at 20-20 heading into the dying stages, at which point fleet-footed Mangere East playmaker Inga Limoni danced his way through some tired Saints defence to score the game-winner. Along with the competition points, the Hawks also picked up the Roy Chan Memorial Cup in the win.
