21 April, 2025

Takapuna shows promise despite humbling by Shore

On attack…Tika Lelegna was one of Takapuna’s best backs

Takapuna Premiers suffered one of its worst-ever defeats to arch-rivals North Shore last Saturday, going down 48-17 at Onewa Domain.
But the side displayed enough grit and spirit to show that it could still be a title contender in 2025, in what is only the third round of the season.
Shore – with captain Donald Coleman celebrating his 100th game – was not totally dominant, but it won the clashes around the margins. Passes stuck, decisions by first five Cam Howell were the right ones and it nailed all its scoring chances.
Takapuna looked like a team of promise, rebuilding but yet to find its full rhythm. The loss of key players to Super Rugby shows.
Shore jumped to a 22-3 lead and a rout looked likely, with Takapuna’s cause not helped by two first-half yellow cards.
However, it battled back to 29-17 down mid-way through the second half, with flanker Gage Jackson and winger Tika Lelegna featuring in strong carries.
But the arrival of Shore’s experienced bench snuffed out any comeback.
In a spirited reserves match, Takapuna beat North Shore 36-28, with the game in the balance right until the end.

Finau Paea’s runaway try in the second half was not enough to inspire a comeback

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