Sydenham lose shield to Burnside and top ranking

Sydenham surrendered the DCL Shield, plus top seeding for the Canterbury Cup playoffs, after losing to Burnside 21-15 on Saturday.

Their defeat meant Christchurch finished at the head of the pennant standings, following a 24-14 win over University. Aside from wresting the shield from Sydenham, Burnside clinched third spot. Linwood complete the top four, despite being beaten 34-15 by New Brighton.

Having played in two pools of six, the 12 metropolitan division-one teams now split into three sections of four – top, middle and bottom – with the three-game round-robin playoffs starting this week.

Burnside were the first to settle at Nunweek Park, rattling up 15 points in one 10-minute burst during the first half.

Sydenham responded with points immediately after the break and the match turned into a muddy slog in a compelling final 10 minutes.

The tactical direction of Mike Newell was influential for Burnside, while forwards Sam Hayes-Stevenson and Henry Johnstone continued their impressive form. Marty Banks was always a threat for Sydenham.

Over at Malvern Park, Christchurch had a 14-point lead at halftime, but the students improved in the second spell to trail by just three points with 10 minutes remaining. Christchurch hooker Will Hurst settled the issue in the final minute when he crossed for his team's third try.

Marcel Cummings-Toone managed a hat-trick of tries in his 50th senior match for New Brighton, as the home side stampeded past Linwood. Wing Misi Selave bagged a brace of his own for Brighton.

Sumner and Old Boys were both assured of a middle-four playoffs spot heading into Saturday's encounter at St Leonards Square, but the seasiders boosted their confidence with a 13-12 victory.

Marist-Albion produced a come-from-behind special at Burwood Park, having trailed Shirley 23-11 at the break. A Kurt Stephenson penalty goal with seven minutes remaining was enough to sink the hosts, whose points came solely from centre David Tomkinson.

Three tries to wing Jesse Bright allowed Lincoln University maximum points in their 37-30 win over Belfast.

- © Fairfax NZ News