Pt Chevalier and Mt Albert to share Stormont Memorial Shield   11 Apr 2016

Pt Chevalier and Mt Albert to share Stormont Memorial Shield

For immediate release

The official season opening for the SAS Fox Memorial and Crown Lift Trucks Sharman Cup kicked off yesterday (Sunday April 10) at Mt Smart Stadium #2.

Ellerslie opened the day with their clash against Bay Roskill before a rematch of the 2015 grand final between premiership winners Pt Chevalier and Mt Albert.

Before the Sharman Premiership sides took the field, a minute of silence was held in remembrance of Mike Smith, Bay Roskill stalwart who passed away in February.

Ellerslie held a 6-0 lead over Bay Roskill at half-time and managed to stay on top in the second half to record a convincing 26-0 win over the Vikings.

ARL’s biggest club rivalry Pt Chevalier and Mt Albert will share the Stormont Memorial Shield after a 14 all draw in their first game of the season.

Almost 20 mins into the first half, the Pirates put first points on the scoreboard with a converted try to lead 6-0.

Taylor Daniels scored for Pt Chevalier, crossing the line after targeting Mt Albert's left edge.

Just before the siren, the Lions managed to put points on the board. Trent Wallace converted to leave the score at 10-6 to the Pirates.

Dominating posession in the second half, Mt Albert landed on top of Pt Chevalier with two tries and a 14-10 lead.

Pt Chevalier squared things up, but the conversion attempt from kicker Jonathan Carl was just short to the left hitting the goal post.

The 14 all draw means that both teams will share the Stormont Shield and the champion of champions title.

The shield has only been shared four times since first contested for in 1936.

Dylan Moses who dons the captaincy and coaches role alongside Anaru Tara for Pt Chevalier says he's happy with the result of the game.

"A draw is always better than a loss," he said.

"We know where we are at now, so we can build on that."

When asked about former coach Grant Pocklington's absence possibly affecting their performance, Moses is quick to refute.

"We definitely have a few things to work on but we've got a lot of our senior boys in the team and we're confident that we can roll over from last year."

Pt Chevalier are scheduled to play Papakura who won their game against Mangere East on Saturday 50-24.

Mt Albert will play Howick at home.

Pt Chevalier 14 (Siua Otunuku, Taylor Daniels, Jarel Hemahema tries; Jonathan Carl 1 goal) DRAW Mt Albert 14 (Tomas Aoake x2 tries, James Blackwell; Trent Wallace 1 goal) HT: Pt Chevalier 10 Mt Albert 6 at Mt Smart Stadium #2.

ENDS

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