Premier results predictable with a few close escapes

• Published date: 27 May 2023
• Author: Adrian Seconi
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times: Web Edition Articles (New Zealand)

Kaikorai ran away 50-8 winners against an understrength University team at Bishopscourt

Winger Nico Bowering collected three tries for the competition front-runners.

Dunedin eased to a 47-17 win against Zingari-Richmond at Kettle Park.

Those results were fairly predictable.

But Alhambra-Union almost pulled off a dramatic comeback win against Southern at Bathgate Park.

Trailing the defending champions 28-10 at the break, it looked like another tough day for the Broncos.

But Highlanders outside back Mosese Dawai made a huge difference.

He had scored in the first half and added two more in the second as AU roared back into the contest.

The visitors closed the gap to 27-28 midway through the half.

But Southern responded through a try to hooker Jake McEwan and held on to win 33-30.

The Magpies copped three yellow cards in the second which added to the drama.

The sin bin saw a lot of traffic at Peter Johnstone Park as well.

Harbour picked up two yellow cards and a red card in the opening 40. The Hawks got another yellow late in the second, while Taieri also lost a player to the bin for 10 minutes in the first spell.

Despite playing the entire second half...