Hawks win first Kerry Williams Cup

By Frank Neill

The Johnsonville Hawks lifted the inaugural Kerry Williams Cup when they defeated Upper Hutt Rams 41-39 at Maidstone Park on 3 June.

The Hawks had to withstand a late charge by the Rams, however, in the Swindale Shield Rugby encounter.

After they led 31-15 at half time the Hawks faced a rejuvenated Rams team in the second spell to snatch a two-point win.

The victory was Johnsonville’s third successive win and it came against a team that is higher than them on the points table.

The Hawks caught up ground on the Rams, with the Upper Hutt team two points and one place ahead of Johnsonville on the competition table. The Hawks are in fifth place and the Rams in fourth place following the 3 June round.

Left wing Jason Tuitama was once again in excellent form for the Hawks, scoring a try half way through the second spell.

Finlay Sharp also had a great game, scoring two tries, while Oliver Paotonu and Niall Delahunt also dotted down.

Half back Mark Sutton kicked four conversions and one penalty. With the 11 points, Mark has now chalked up 130 points for the season to sit in second place on the points scoring table. Rams player Tynan Barrett leads the table with 139 points.

lington United were 4-0 winners over Moturoa from New Plymouth and Seatoun had a 2-1 win over their Miramar Rangers neighbour’s from the league below.

King’s Birthday weekend saw the suspension of top men’s and women’s football league matches for a further round of Chatham and Kate Sheppard Cup games in the ever-popular national knock out competitions.