Rugby: University A beats Green Island 33-14

It was the magic of first five-eighth Chris Noakes and the speed and power of wing David Thompson that gave University A a commanding 33-14 win over Green Island at Miller Park.

It was a flattering margin because Green Island gave a gutsy display and still had a chance of winning until midway through the second spell.

Noakes scored 13 points with his goal kicking and his long and accurate punting kept the initiative with the students when Green Island was threatening in the first 20 minutes of the second spell.

His deceptive running and long cut-out passes created space for his outsides.

University A led 13-7 at the break and the margin was stretched to 16-7 with another Noakes penalty goal early in the second spell.

But the Green Island backs and forwards combined in a sustained attack seven minutes later and when centre Ben Smith scored his second try, the margin was cut to two points. Thompson made his mark, using strength and speed to score three tries.

The decisive act of the game came after 22m when Green Island was attacking inside the University 22m.

But delivery from the ruck was slow and University hooker Simon Forrest grabbed the loose ball, sped upfield and Thompson was in support to score his second try and the margin was 12 points.

The other student back to impress was fullback Ben Hones, who was safe on defence and counter-attacked well.

No 8 Paul Grant, flanker Hoani Matenga and prop Sam Hibbard played well for University, while Smith and lock Hayden Triggs kept Green Island in the game with some superb play.

Smith scored two tries.

The other key players in the Green Island pack were tighthead prop Andrew Clark with his driving runs, No 8 Shannon Tematai with his ability to break the advantage line and the strong tackling flanker Brendon Hamilton.

University A 33 (David Thompson 3, Henry McLernon tries; Chris Noakes 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals, dropped goal), Green Island 14 (Ben Smith 2 tries; Tino Elisara 2 conversions).

Half-time: 13-7.

Referee: Adam Morrison.

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