SAS College Rugby League wrap

SAS College Rugby League wrap

Game of the Round

Mt Albert Grammar claimed the final spot in the SAS College Rubgy League Championship competition, with an 18-14 victory over Westlake Boys' in the final game of pool play.

With defending champions Kelston already through to the next round MAGS and Westlake were left to battle it out for second position, on a day of torrential rain throughout Auckland.

It was the visitors who made the ideal start, scoring inside 10 minutes via centre Fine Inisi, before conceding at the other end soon when Isaac Lulia crossed for MAGS.

A game fought largely in the middle of the park, the ball control given the rain and wind was admirable from both sides.

Heading into the final minute of the half the only thing separating the teams on the scoreboard was Bostyn Hakaraia's conversion on the earlier try.

But with the siren going in the background Mt Albert made use of a left-side overlap, shifting through the hands for Preston Riki to slide over.

The hosts taking a 10-4 lead to the sheds.

Westlake's response in the second half was perfect, scoring early through lanky no.13 Ryan Doubell.

Half Zae Wallace - who stood out through the game for his solid decision making and execution - added the extras to make it 10-all.

But a second-period blitz, which saw prop Issac Ah-Kuoi go over and Lulia collect his double, lifted MAGS to 18 points.

A try to Westlake's Noah Kemp with a minute and a half remaining saw Wallace decline the attempt at conversion and rush back to half way.

But the siren beat his side and so did Mt Albert Grammar.

Mt Albert advance to the championship round, joining Kelston, St Paul's, Manurewa, Otahuhu and Southern Cross.

Mt Albert Grammar 18 (Preston Riki, Isaac Lulia x2, Issac Ah Kuoi tires; Bostyn Hakaraia 1/4 goals.) BEAT Westlake 12 (Noah Kemp, Fine Inisi, Ryan Doubell tries; Zae Wallace 1/3.)

Wrap of the Rest

Southern Cross may have gone down 10-8 to Otahuhu in the final round of pool play, but that was enough to edge out Aorere on differential points for the second qualifying spot out of Pool C.

After beating Papakura 30-0 Aorere probably thought they had done enough to get through, but will rue their loss to Southern Cross back in round one.

In Pool B Avondale performed admirably against perennial heavyweights St Paul's, staying in the contest for the full 50 minutes before going down 8-6.

That result ended Avondale's hopes of progressing to the championship, and ensured St Paul's secured the top seed in Pool B.

With the bye in the final round Manurewa could only sit at home and wait for news on their qualification, in the end doing enough to get through after Papatoetoe beat Lynfield 34-10 in the other Pool B game.

Kelson kept their undefeated streak and ensured top qualification from Pool A, while MAGS won the do-or-die game with Westlake to advance.

The teams now split into Championship, Plate and Bowl competitions (refer to attached draw for all three tiers).

ENDS

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