Shore toasts big weekend with win over Takapuna

Star turn… Oscar Koller on one of his many bursts, with Donald Coleman (right)

Oscar Koller scored three tries, four conversions and a penalty goal for 26 points in an almost personal demolition of Takapuna at Vauxhall Rd to mark North Shore Rugby Club’s 150-year anniversary celebrations over Easter.

To say Koller single-handedly steamrolled Takapuna is perhaps an overstatement, as Shore’s forwards provided a muscular platform. But it was a dominant performance.

Every now and again, a Super Rugby player hits the pitch at Vauxhall Rd, with a class slightly ahead of others on the field. Former All Black Luke McAlister scored all Silverdale’s points against North Shore on the ground around 15 years ago.

Koller had similar time on the ball, poise and decisiveness.

In addition to his try-scoring and goal-kicking, Koller’s positional play, line-kicking and touch-finding were pinpoint.

With first-half tries to the industrious number 6 Rob Harris, and bullocking number 8 Edgar Tu’Inukuafe, and two to Koller, Shore were looking pretty at half-time, up 27-14.

Further tries to Koller and Tyler Beary (in his 25th and blazer game) saw Shore leap out to a 41-14 lead with 20 minutes to play.

In Support

But then Koller was taken off and Shore appeared to lose its general – and its focus.

Takapuna scored three tries in the next 10 minutes to bring the score to 41-33, with bright attacking rugby.

From a comfortable position Shore had to cling on, which it did, much to the delight of supporters who had descended on the club from around Devonport, New Zealand and the world.

The celebration weekend included a golf tournament, four matches against Takapuna sides, a gala dinner and a Barbarians Golden Oldies match.