Waimate’s winning run in the Hamersley Cup came to end at Strathconan Park, beaten 24-21 by Mackenzie in a tight tussle.

Waimate fullback Dan Patterson had a chance to draw the game with a penalty on full time but it slid past the upright to the delight of the Rams players.

The result however did not change the top three spots with Waimate still on top, Celtic second and Mackenzie third.

Mackenzie trailed 14-6 at halftime but played a far more expansive game in the second half that paid dividends.

Waimate first half tries went to first five Miles Medlicott, who looked more like a forward as he drove over from close range and just before the break openside Euan Tait broke through to score with Patterson adding the extras.

Prop Charlie Aho narrowed the gap from close range and lock Veikoso Poloniati put the Rams in front midway through the half to the delight of the big crowd. Jared Trevathan landed the conversion and then added a penalty to be up 21-14.

Waimate’s replacement Joeli Kotobalvu then went over with nine minutes left and Patterson’s conversion tied the game.

Kotobalvu was then however offside and Trevathan landed the crucial penalty to give his side the lead and with Patterson’s last gasp miss, it turned into a match winner.

For Mackenzie centre Setefano Sauqaqa made a big impact in the second half when he got the ball with some room to run.

Poloniati also made good runs, in a pack that got on the front foot in the second half. Captain Jonny Andrews was in everything and openside Ryan McNab made some crucial tackles.

For Waimate Patterson tried hard to get involved while Miles Medlicott ran the ball well.

Hooker Simon Bleeker and lock Jamie Engelbrecht toiled away in the forwards.

Jake Matthews debuted at halfback 34 years after his father Barry played his first game for Waimate.

Harlequins routed

An injury ravaged Harlequins were no match for Temuka going down 62-19.

The Magpies clicked, running in 10 tries with lock Solomoni Lavaka scoring four tries and wing Kalavini Leatigaga grabbing three.

While it was an outstanding team effort another to shine was No.8 Semisi Paseka before he went off injured.

It was the first time in their history Harlequins have had more than 50 points scored against them in senior rugby

Old Boys show mettle

Geraldine retained fourth spot against Old Boys but the Blues showed plenty of heart in their 32-17 loss.

Old Boys led 17-10 at halftime but ill discipline cost, when they were down to 13 players at the end due to a yellow and red card.

Geraldine however found their feet in the second half and ended up running in five tries in total with Marac Beckham, Brad Clark, Kadin TeNana, Hugh Jackson and Taine Young all getting over.

For Old Boys halfback Jordan Ford, fullback Brad Tunnicliffe and centre Aden Young all impressed.

Celtic repel Pleasant Point

The Pleasant Point pack put in an excellent effort against Celtic but the Mud Dogs eventually went down 24-12 to the defending champions.

Point only trailed 12—7 after a competitive first half and drew level before Celtic managed to ease away, grabbing a four try bonus point.

For Celtic loose forwards Nick Strachan and Josh Mehrtens played very well while Zac Saunders was the best of the backs, with the midfielder also grabbing a runaway try.

The Mud Dogs best were No.8 Jax Kingsford, midfielder Don Farmer while young wing Patrick Brosnahan tackled everything that came his way.

UC Championship

A stand-out performance by hooker Ben Sands helped Timaru Boys’ High School First XV to their first win of the season against an unbeaten Rangiora High School.

Sands scored early in both halves helping Boys’ High to a deserved 32-19 win after trailing 14-8 at the break, with a controversial penalty try awarded against them.

A second Liam Parker penalty got TBHS in front and then a superb bust by No.8 Mac Edwards got second five Taniela Wacokecoke into space and he cleverly made his way to the corner to score.

Parker added two further penalties before first five Ryan Greenslade sealed the win with a try.

In the end TBHS outplayed a bigger pack with Sands, lock George Mulder, openside George Brown and Edwards all playing their part.

Halfback Harry Bampton had a good game as did Greenslade outside him, while Parker’s accurate goal kicking was also crucial.

Roncalli Combined also put in a much better performance in their 26-13 loss to Lincoln High School, with a strong second half.

Lock Aqa Saile had his best game stealing a lot of lineout ball while captain Freddy Vereivalu led well and scored a good try.

First five Ben Thomson kicked well, landing two penalties and a conversion, while halfback George Gibb put in a very tidy display.