Search Results

Lydia Ko finished tied sixth at the LPGA tournament in Arizona PHOTO: LPTA A tough final round for three New Zealanders in the United States, but especially for Ryan Fox at the PGA Tour's Houston Open in Texas as he chased his first title on the Tour. Fox went into the final round tied for third and five shots off the lead at 12-under par, as he chased his first USPGA tour title. LATEST HEADLINES: Tuatara, Rams dominate Giants, Saints McKenzie re-signs with Chiefs, NZ Rugby Metcalf stars as NZ Warriors see off Tigers Melville Ives claims freeski halfpipe crown Black Ferns take Hong Kong title; ABs fifth Fox started the final day tied third, five shots off the lead at 12-under par, however he was let down by his putter, posting a one-over par 71, finishing 11-under for the tournament and slipping to tied for 15th. Australia's Min Woo Lee won the event, scrambling a par on the final hole to secure the title, having started the day with a four-shot lead. He finished at 20-under, one shot ahead of world number one Scottie Scheffler and fellow American Gary Woodland. Meanwhile, New Zealand's Steven Alker has finished tied for third at the latest Champions Tour event in California. Alker sits third on the season championship award Charles Schwab Cup. Lydia Ko ended up tied sixth at the LPGA tournament in Arizona at 13 under after a final round five-under round 67 with no blemishes The tournament was won in a one hole playoff by Korea's Hyo Joo Kim after she finished at 22-under alongside Lillia Vu (United States).

The Auckland Tuatara and Canterbury Rams have led from opening tip to final buzzer to collect National Basketball League (NBL) wins. The Jadcup Tuatara scored their first win of the 2025 Sal's NBL with an 81-72 victory over the NBS Nelson Giants on the North Shore, while Wheeler Motor Company Rams topped the Mills Albert Wellington Saints 99-81 in Christchurch on Sunday. LATEST HEADLINES: McKenzie re-signs with Chiefs, NZ Rugby Metcalf stars as NZ Warriors see off Tigers Melville Ives claims freeski halfpipe crown Black Ferns take Hong Kong title; ABs fifth Paul Coll defeated in London squash final Young guard Josh Wyllie was the Tuatara’s best player, with a team-high 16 points (6/8 FG, 2/2 3pt) to go with four rebounds and five assists. Tall Blacks centre Rob Loe, fresh off appearing for Melbourne United in the Australian NBL Finals, finished with 14 points (6/11 FG), five boards and four assists. Import Buay Tuach had 13 points (4/13 FG, 4/4 FT), five rebounds and five assists, while Tom Vodanovich and Dylan Wilkie were also in double-digits. Buay Tuach had 13 points, five boards and five assists for the Auckland Tuatara. PHOTO: AUCKLAND TUATARA American forward Brice Johnson was Nelson’s best, with 21 points (10/18 FG) and two steals, with Kiwi Liam Judd adding 20 points (7/11 FG, 4/5 3pt). The Tuatara (1-3) take on the Deep South Double-Header next weekend, starting with the Southland Sharks (1-3) in Invercargill on Friday (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Giants (0-4) will look for their first win of the season at home against the Taranaki Airs (3-1) on Saturday (tip-off 4pm). Kaleb Chamberlain starred in the Sky Broadband Rapid League contest, scoring 12 points off the bench as the Nelson Giants soared to a 40-24 victory over the Tuatara, who got 12 points from Wilkie. Auckland Tuatara 81 (Josh Wyllie 16, Rob Loe 14, Buay Tuach 13, Tom Vodanovich 10, Dylan Wilkie 10) Nelson Giants 72 (Brice Johnson 21, Liam Judd 20, Callum Dalton 11). 1Q: 21-18, HT: 45-36, 3Q: 65-52 Tall Blacks guards Taylor Britt and Tama Isaac guided the two-time defending champion Rams to a big win at Cowles Stadium. Britt scored a game-high 26 points (11/20 FG, 2/5 3pt), adding four rebounds and six assists, with Isaac going for 21 points (8/13 FG, 3/6 3pt). NZ Breakers squad member Max Darling scored 20 points (8/10 FG, 4/6 3pt) and two steals off the bench, while Australian big Kyle Bowen had 17 points (7/15 FG), eight boards, four assist, two steals and two blocks in his first appearance. Australian Nick Marshall led all five Saints starters in double figures, with 20 points (8/14 FG), six rebounds and two steals. Izayah Le’afa managed 18 points (6/16 FG, 4/9 3pt) and four assists. The Rams (3-1) are quickly back on court, travelling to New Plymouth to face the Airs on Wednesday (tip-off 7pm), while the Saints (2-2) will look to bounce back when they host the Franklin Bulls (4-1) in the Capital on Thursday (tip-off 7.30pm). In the earlier Rapid League game, Arthur Pilcher, Lukah Richards and Kazlo Evans led the Saints to a 29-25 win over the Rams. Canterbury Rams 99 (Taylor Britt 26, Tama Isaac 21, Max Darling 20, Kyle Bowen 17) Wellington Saints 81 (Nick Marshall 20, Izayah Le'afa 18, Hyrum Harris 14, Nick Muszynski 14, Shaun Bruce 11). 1Q: 33-19, HT: 58-42, 3Q: 76-61

Damian McKenzie will remain in NZ rugby until the end of the 2029 season. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY All Blacks and Chiefs fans can look forward to at least four more years of Damian McKenzie magic, following the star playmaker agreeing to terms on a new deal which runs through to the end of the 2029 season. Already the Super Rugby Pacific franchise’s all-time leading points scorer, the new contract paves the way for the 29-year-old to become just the third player ever to reach 150 matches for the Chiefs, alongside Sam Cane (150) and Liam Messam (183 games). LATEST HEADLINES: Metcalf stars as NZ Warriors see off Tigers Melville Ives claims freeski halfpipe crown Black Ferns take Hong Kong title; ABs fifth Paul Coll defeated in London squash final Auckland FC make most of their chances “I’m incredibly excited to re-sign with NZ Rugby and continue my journey with both the Chiefs and All Blacks” McKenzie said. “The opportunity to represent both teams is something that I’ll never take for granted. "I feel like I’ve still got a lot to give to NZ Rugby and look forward to adding value where I can. I’m extremely motivated to win a Championship with the Chiefs and ultimately hope to be a part of a successful Rugby World Cup in 2027 and campaigns beyond that.” A fan-favourite ever since his Chiefs debut in 2015, McKenzie has been in scintillating form to start the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, scoring 65 points in his opening five matches. Damian McKenzie is set to become the Chiefs' third centurion, joining Liam Messam and Sam Cane. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said: “ We are delighted Damian has committed to the Chiefs and NZ Rugby long-term. It’s a significant outcome given the high level of interest he received from offshore. "His on-field performances with the Chiefs speak volumes. He influences games the way few people can, and he will continue to add to his legacy, which would have to rank among the elite players to have ever pulled on a Chiefs jersey.” McKenzie made his All Blacks debut against Italy as a 21-year-old in 2016, and has gone on to play in 61 tests, scoring 311 points, including 21 tries.

The NZ Warriors have won their third straight NRL match after a season-opening loss. PHOTO: NRL The woes of Las Vegas are all-but forgotten for the NZ Warriors after a third NRL win on the trot. Halfback Luke Metcalf booted the match-winning penalty goal in the 74th minute and accounted for 14 points in the Warriors' 26-24 win over the Wests Tigers in wet conditions at Sydney's Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday. LATEST HEADLINES: Melville Ives claims freeski halfpipe crown Black Ferns take Hong Kong title; ABs fifth Paul Coll defeated in London squash final Auckland FC make most of their chances Phoenix Women lose to Melbourne City Auckland City win in OFC league opener Andrew Webster's side, pilloried less than a month ago after a season-opening drubbing from the Canberra Raiders in Sin City, moved up to sixth in the NRL standings after a third consecutive victory. The Warriors took 6-0, 12-6 and 18-12 leads but could not shake the Tigers. They were fortunate not to fall further behind the Tigers in the second half, before a game-tying try and Metcalf's winning two-pointer. Adam Pompey showed immense strength and good footwork on his way to scoring the first try of the match in the fourth minute, but the home side hit back with prop Fonua Pole crashing over, with the Tigers capitalising on a penalty and a set restart. Moments after Wayde Egan was held up over the line, Marata Niukore put the Warriors ahead again in the 35th minute, capitalising on plenty of possession in their attacking area, using his strength to go past the smaller Jarome Luai. However, three minutes later, the Tigers tied it up again, with Starford To'a scoring against the run of play after a short pass from Lachlan Galvin put Alex Seyfarth into a hole to get him bursting downfield before passing outside to his back. The Warriors regained the momentum in the opening minute of the second half , scoring a try through Metcalf who ran in under the posts, then Bunty Afoa was held up over the line by swarming Tigers defence minutes later. The Tigers hit back in the 49th minute as the  end-to-end play continued and this time it was Solomona Faataape going over out wide after a deft kick from Galvin. Latu Fainu, a late call-up for the Tigers, went through an enormous gap, catching the Warriors out to put the home in front for the first time in the 53rd minute. The Warriors got a couple of let-offs in the 56th and 66th minutes, with Terrell May losing the ball over the line attempting to score his first try for the club, before Jahream Bula was denied a try for an obstruction. Second-rower Leka Halasima scored a spectacular solo try to bring the Warriors level, getting the ball 30m from his own line, sprinting down the right sideline and stepping out of would-be tackles on his way to pay-dirt. The Warriors have the bye in Round 5, with their next match against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Sunday, April 13 (kick-off 4pm NZ Time). NZ Warriors 26 (Adam Pompey, Marata Niukore, Luke Metcalf, Leka Halasima tries; Luke Metcalf 4 con, pen) Wests Tigers 24 (Fonua Pole, Starford To'a, Solomona Faataape, Latu Fainu tries; Apisai Koroisau 3 con, Tallyn Da Silva con). HT: 12-12

Finley Melville Ives gets airborne as he wins the freeski halfpipe world champion title PHOTO: CHRISTIAN STADLER PARK & PIPE New Zealander Finley Melville Ives has been crowned men's freeski halfpipe world champion in Switzerland. The Wanaka teenager beat a 12-strong field in his debut appearance at a world championships. "Honestly, I am in shock. I can't believe I landed my run, I am so hyped," said Melville Iles. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns Hong Kong title ABs fifth Paul Coll beaten in London squash final Auckland FC make most of chances Phoenix Women lose to Melbourne City Auckland City FC win in OFC league "The pipe is so good, I am so thankful the weather is good, thanks to everyone for coming out - I just can't believe it, it's so sick." As the top qualifier for finals, the 18-year-old made his mark from the outset, putting down an exceptional score in his first of two runs. The run began with a switch right double cork 1080 Japan, then a left double cork 1620 mute, a left alley-oop double flatspin 1080 mute, a switch left double cork 1080 Japan, before ending with a right double cork 1620 safety. The judges awarded Melville Ives a mammoth score of 96.00, which saw him shoot straight to the top of the leaderboard at the midway point. The other 11 competitors including New Zealander Luke Harrold, couldn't match the score on their second runs, leaving Melville Ives able to take a victory lap for his final run. Decorated slopestyle athlete Nick Goepper finished in second place, with two-time Olympic halfpipe medalist Alex Ferreira rounding out the podium in third. Melville Ives was thrilled to share the podium with Goepper and Ferreira, saying; "They're both my idols, so I honestly can't believe it. I'm so stoked to share the podium with them." Lake Hawea 16-year-old Harrold finished fourth position on Sunday after being bumped out of podium position by Goepper in run two. Harrold nevertheless made history by putting down the first switch left alley-oop triple cork 1260 mute ever landed in competition during his second run. Earlier, Auckland 17-year-old Mischa Thomas placed ninth in the women's freeski halfpipe finals - her first major tournament. It rounded out a hugely successful series of returns for New Zealand at the 2025 freeski and snowboard park and pipe world championships. Two other New Zealand world champions were crowned - Zoi Sadowski-Synnott grabbing her third snowboard slopestyle title and Luca Harrington the freeski big air gold. Ten months out from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, the New Zealand athletes will turn their focus to spring training camps in the Northern Hemisphere before returning home for the domestic season.

Celebration time for the Black Ferns Sevens in Hong Kongs PHOTO: SVNS WORLD TOUR Jorja Miller stood up to help make it three Hong Kong titles in a row for the Black Ferns Sevens and the second win over Australia at the tournament, this time 26-19. Millar had her team-mates to thank for not only surviving but scoring during her time in the sin bin for a tip tackle at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium LATEST HEADLINES: Paul Coll beaten in London squash final Auckland FC make most of chances Phoenix Women lose to Melbourne City Auckland City FC win in OFC league Fox, Ko, Alker all chasing titles in US Tia Hinds had sent Maddison Levi racing to score with a looping pass to the left side of the fiel in the second minute. New Zealand captain Sarah Hirini was rewarded for being up supporting Risi Pouri-Lane as she ran in under the posts on minute later followed by a try to Micahela Brake. Levi then crossed again for Australia to make the scores 12-all at the interval. Miller, 21 had impressed on days one and two in Hong Kong but kept her best for the final, twice spying the gap, twice having the legs to split the young Aussie team's defence. Mackenzie Davis scored late in the match for Australia to keep the score tight. "We knew we had to come out for finals footie and I’m so proud of the group," said an ecstatic Miller. "We love Hong Kong and the history of it." New Zealand head to the Singapore tournament next weekend with an eight-point lead at the top of the SVNS standings. The All Blacks men finished fifth in Hong Kong as they blew Spain away 24-5 in their playoff tie. Cody Vai showed good skills to evade tackles in midfield and run in the first score but Francisco Cosculluela pegged the All Blacks Sevens back temporarily. Dylan Collier made it 14-5, and while Spain back Jaime Manteca was in the sin bin Sofai Maka shot to the corner for a touchdown and celebratory roll before Regan Ware turned on the gas for the fourth and final score.

Paul Coll was beaten in three games in the final of the London PSA World Tour event PHOTO: PSA WORLD TOUR New Zealand’s Paul Coll has gone down in straight games to world No.2 Mostafa Asal in the final of the Optasia Championships in London. Coll had a tough road to the finals, spending more than two-and-a-half hours on court during his two previous victories over the ElShorbagy brothers, Marwan and Mohamed. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland FC make most of chances Phoenix Women lose to Melbourne City Auckland City FC win in OFC league Fox, Ko, Alker all chasing titles in US Coll reaches London final after marathon Harrington big air freeski champion The Kiwis fatigue showed as Asal remained happy to keep a steady pace of play against No.2 seed Coll and lengthen out the rallies early on. It was the sudden injections of pace and power that troubled Coll the most, with Asal managing to pounce whenever the Kiwi’s length was marginally off.  The opening two games both went in Asal’s favour by 11-4 scorelines, before Coll began to match the Egyptian’s play early in the third.  Despite Coll stepping up onto the ’T’ with more regularity early in the third and looking to push the pace of play, Asal continued to cut a relaxed figure, managing to wrong-foot Coll with a number of smart shot selections on his forehand wing. The 23-year-old dominated the mid phases of the third to sit on the cusp of victory, but then Coll came charging back. Defending champion Coll saved two match balls to reduce the scoreline to 10-8, but Asal wasn’t to be denied, sealing victory with a backhand drop into the front left court. for a 11-4, 11-4, 11-8 in 54 minutes.

Louis Verstraete (left) competes for the ball in the win over Brisbane Roar PHOTO: AUCKLAND FC Auckland FC have beaten Brisbane Roar 2-0 at Suncorp Stadium to move seven points clear at the top of the ladder despite having fewer chances and less ball. Defender Nando Pijnaker gave Auckland the lead with a powerful header in first-half stoppage time in a rare attack. The home side had plenty of opportunities to level things up but couldn’t find a way past Alex Paulsen in the Auckland goal. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix Women lose to Melbourne City Auckland City FC win in OFC league Fox, Ko, Alker all chasing titles in US Coll reaches London final after marathon Harrington big air freeski champion Captain Hiroki Sakai eventually put the result to bed in the 83rd minute as the Japanese slotted home Auckland’s second late on which was eventually confirmed after a lengthy VAR check. The result brings about an end to the Auckland's three-game winless run and moves them seven points clear of Western United at the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League. As for Brisbane Roar, Ruben Zadkovich’s side suffered their 13th loss of the season and remain without a win at Suncorp Stadium in over a year. After the first drinks break of the afternoon, Roar youngster Jacob Brazete weaved his way through the Auckland defensive line however his shot was a weak one and barely threatened Alex Paulsen in the goal. Recycling the ball well from a set-piece, Auckland midfielder Verstraete whipped a pinpoint ball into the box and onto the head of the unmarked Pijnaker who’s thunderous header flew past Acton and into the back of the net. Looking to respond in the second-half, Roar coach Zadkovich made a triple change in the 57th minute and just two minutes later they almost had the leveller. After O’Shea’s wicked low free-kick into the box was parried up into the air by Paulsen, central defender Hosine Bility reacted quickest but his header back towards goal was saved at the last moment but the sprawling Paulsen. However, despite the home side’s somewhat dominance it was the visitors who snatched the all-important second goal off the back of a Brisbane chance. After Paulsen sent the ball down field captain Hiroki Sakai then sprinted forward to join the attack and when Logan Rogerson squared up his defender, Sakai was perfectly placed to receive the pass and slam home the second from the top of the box. A lengthy VAR check then ensued to determine whether Rogerson was onside in the build-up to the goal however the officials green lit the goal and Sakai celebrated with his team mates as Auckland moved seven points clear at the top.

Grace Jale in action in the Wellington Phoenix Women's team loss to Melbourne City PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Wellington Phoenix’s playoff hopes have been dealt a major blow following a 1-0 loss at Porirua Park to undefeated Melbourne City. Carolina Vilão’s second penalty save of the season was not enough to prevent a second straight defeat at home, leaving the Nix four points shy of a playoff spot with two games remaining. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland City FC win in OFC league Fox, Ko, Alker all chasing titles in US Coll reaches London final after marathon Harrington big air freeski champion Airs rout Hawks, Jets fend off Sharks While the Phoenix have not been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, only a specific set of results will see them climb into the top six, starting with a win at Canberra in two weeks time. Paul Temple made two changes to the side that lost to Central Coast Mariners last week, bringing in Tiana Jaber and Emma Main to replace Alyssa Whinham and Zoe McMeeken. The Nix had the first sight of goal, Olivia Fergusson unable to guide her header on target after Annalie Longo and Emma Main had cleverly linked up down the right. City were able to dominate territory without creating regular chances, with the Phoenix happy to hit them on the counter attack. Rebekah Stott’s ambitious effort flew over the bar in the 20th minute before Leah Davidson’s shot flew wide when she was well positioned. And it was the away side who took the lead 35 minutes in, Holly McNamara pouncing on a dangerous delivery from Lourdes Bosch and calmly sliding home. McNamara had a golden chance to double her tally just a minute late when sent in behind, from which she could only scuff her finish wide. The Nix continued to threaten from set pieces, Alivia Kelly glancing wide from a deep free kick. And their first corner resulted in an almighty goalmouth scramble just before halftime. Maliena Mieres fumbled the initial delivery, leading to chaos in the box, City clearing from the goalline multiple times. Temple turned to his bench at the break, introducing Zoe McMeeken in place of the booked Tiana Jaber. Wellington started the second period fast, Longo a hair away from converting Lara Wall’s cutback. At the other end of the pitch, Wall inadvertently caught McNamara in the face with a raised boot, leading to a long stoppage in play. Almost immediately following the restart, Laura Hughes won a penalty for City, colliding with Mackenzie Barry in the area, although Barry appeared to be standing her ground. A patched-up McNamara stepped up to take it, but was denied by Vilão sprawling to her left. The save instantly breathed fire into the match, both sides putting their foot on the accelerator. Speckmaier somehow contrived to miss a nearly empty net after rounding Vilão. She had just been involved in another physical battle, Barry supplying a thumping tackle on the Venezuelan international. City looked the likeliest to score, McNamara screwing another presentable chance wide right. The 70th minute saw two more Wellington substitutes introduced as Temple chased an unlikely victory. Mebae Tanaka and Alyssa Whinham joined the fray, Main and Alivia Kelly being withdrawn. With seven minutes to play, the Nix stitched some quality attacking play together, culminating in Grace Jale crunching a shot over the bar. There was a frantic finish, Wellington pouring numbers forward in search of an elusive goal. But an equaliser was not forthcoming, leaving the Phoenix in eighth place with two games to play in the regular season. The Wellington Phoenix have next weekend off due to the last international break of the season, before facing Canberra United away the following Sunday.

Ryan Fox is tied third after round three of the PGA's Houston Open. PHOTO: PGA TOUR New Zealand golfers Ryan Fox and Lydia Ko are in title contention going into the final day of their respective tournaments in the United States. At the PGA Tour's Houston Open in Texas, Fox bogeyed the first two holes of his third round befored carding a five-under par 65. LATEST HEADLINES: Coll reaches London final after marathon Harrington big air freeski champion Airs rout Hawks, Jets fend off Sharks Phoenix denied three points by a late goal Moana Pasifika charge past the Crusaders Fox is tied third five shots behind the leader, Australian Min Woo Lee as both players chase their first win on the PGA Tour. Ko is also five strokes off the lead in the LPGA Ford Championship in Arizona. She hit a four-under 68 to lie in joint 10th place, behind leader American Lilia Vu. Fox countered his the bogeys on the first two holes with birdies on the next two. He also scored five birdies on the back nine, including the 15th, 16th and 17th hole. It put him in second at one stage before Aregentine Alejandro Tosti pushed him back to a tie of third alongside world No 1 Scottie Sheffler and fellow American Ryan Gerard. Tosti is four strokes behind Lee. At the Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Arizona, Ko hit four birdies on the front nine, but was held back by a double bogey on the ninth. She had another bogey on the 14th, but also had three birdies in her closing nine. She was unlucky not to get an eagle on the par-5 17th as her putt stopped on the lip of the hole. American Vu recovered from a double bogey on the 14th hole, with birdies at the next three holes before finishing with a par and a round of 68. She leads at 18-under by two strokes from English woman Charley Hull, while Ayaka Furue from Japan and Nanna Koerstz Madsen from Denmark are a further shot back. Meanwhile Steven Alker is tied third at the Champions Tour event at Mission HIlls Country Club in California. He's eight under two shots behind the leader Steve Allan from Australia.

Action from the Auckland City FC and AS Pirae game in the OFC Champions League PHOTO: OFC/PHOTOTEK Auckland City FC have started their quest for a 13th OFC Men's Champions League title with a 1-0 win over AS Pirae in Honiara. In a repeat of last year's final the defending champions had goalkeeper Nathan Garrow to thank after he saved a second half penalty for the New Zealand side. LATEST HEADLINES: Fox, Ko, Alker all chasing titles in US Coll reaches London final after marathon Harrington big air freeski champion Airs rout Hawks, Jets fend off Sharks Phoenix denied three points by a late goal The opening half was a tight contest with both sides displaying disciplined defense and impressive goalkeeping. Auckland City FC dominated possession early on, but AS Pirae’s defense, preventing an early breakthrough. Auckland City FC’s first real threat came in the 13th minute when Nathan Lobo delivered a dangerous cross from the left, only for the AS Pirae goalkeeper, Decoret, to catch it safely. Auckland continued to push forward, with Jerson Lagos making a strong run down the right flank in the 20th minute, finding Myer Bevan inside the box. However, Decoret was once again quick off his line to snuff out the danger. Minutes later, Bevan returned the favor, threading a through pass to Lagos, whose shot went straight at the goalkeeper. AS Pirae first real chance came in the 25th minute when Kali Lenoir found Tepa inside the box, but his pass back to the captain resulted in a wayward strike that sailed over the bar. In the 29th minute, Labaste nearly capitalised on a defensive lapse, but Auckland's goalkeeper Nathan Garrow reacted just in time to clear the danger. The deadlock was finally broken five minutes before the break following a well-placed corner. The ball bounced off a Pirae player into the path of Bevan, who struck a low shot into the six-yard box. Dylan Manickum was in the right place at the right time, slotting the ball into the net to give Auckland City FC a 1-0 lead. Auckland City FC started the second half with intensity, nearly doubling their lead in the 53rd minute when Myer Bevan received a pass just outside the box, turned inside, and struck a shot that narrowly missed the far post. Jerson Lagos came close in the 58th minute, cutting inside from the far corner and firing a shot that required a full stretch save from the AS Pirae goalkeeper. However, Auckland struggled to capitalise on their set-piece opportunities, as a 61st-minute corner kick sailed too far with no one attempting to head it. The key moment of the match occurred in the 70th minute when referee Ben Aukwai awarded the Tahitian side a penalty. Nikko Boxall was penalised for an arm to the face on Paama inside the box as he chased a pass. However, Labaste's penalty attempt in the 70th minute was brilliantly saved by Garrow, keeping Auckland's lead intact. Auckland’s substitutes had an immediate impact. In the 71st minute, Haris Zeb, fresh on the pitch, made a promising run down the sideline and delivered a pass into the box, but no one was there to finish. Two minutes later, fellow substitute Gerard Garriga attempted a shot from inside the box, only to see it fly over the bar. AS Pirae continued to press forward and nearly equalised with a stunning bicycle volley from Paama following a free-kick delivery into the box. However, the shot narrowly missed the left side of the bar. That was as close as it got for Pirae and the champions picked up the three Group A points. Auckland City FC 1 (Dylan Manickum) AS Pirae 0, HT 1-0

The Taranaki Airs are challenging at the top of the National Basketball League (NBL) with a 3-1 start to the 2025 season. A huge team effort lifted the Steelformers Airs to a 114-88 win over the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in New Plymouth in Sal’s NBL action on Saturday. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix denied three points by a late goal Moana Pasifika charge past the Crusaders Black Caps defeat Pakistan in opening ODI Ko, Fox race up leaderboard at US events Hurricanes rout Tahs; Highlanders beaten Six players made double-figures for the Airs, as 23-year-old big Jack Andrew, who has previously been at the Otago Nuggets and the Perth Wildcats, lit up the scoreboard with 21 points ( along with 12 rebounds. Armon Fletcher nabbed 20 points and Australian Harry Froling 18. There was also support from Owen Foxwell, Carlin Davison and Jack Exeter also in double digits. For the Hawks teenager Jackson Ball led the way with 23 points as did Campbell Scott along with Chicago-born Darnell Cowart on 20. Carlin Davison contributed 15 points to the Taranaki Airs win over the Hawks. PHOTO: NBL The Airs host defending champions the Rams on Wednesday 2 April, while the Hawks are away to the Hawks on Saturday 5 April. In the Sky Broadband Rapid League game, Isaac Allan scored 15 points and grabbed six boards off the bench to lead the Hawks to a 32-29 victory. Taranaki Airs 114 (Jack Andrew 21, Armon Fletcher 20, Harry Froling 18, Owen Foxwell 17, Carlin Davison 15, Jack Exeter 13) Hawke's Bay Hawks 88 (Jackson Ball 23, Campbell Scott 23, Darnell Cowart 20). 1Q: 27-15, HT: 54-31, 3Q: 85-64 A good comeback on their Southern tour for the Manawatu Jets who are now 3-2 for the season as they beat the Southland Sharks 88-85 in Invercargill. Twenty-year-old Dontae Russo-Nance went big with 35 points including four successful three point shots, five rebounds and three steasls. He was backed up by Miles Gibson with 24 and Eric Williams Jr 13. The game was never truly wrapped up until the last seconds of the final quarter after the home side won the first period by four but trailed by five at the second before being down 61-59 going into the final. Nebraska's Josiah Allick was top-scorer for the Sharks with 29 points and a dozen rebounds. Alonzo Burton in his fifth season with the Sharks scored 20. Some raw talent for the Manawatu Jets in Dontae Russo-Nance whot scored 35 points against the Southland Sharks PHOTO: NBL The Sharks host the Auckland Tuatara on Friday 4 April in their next game, while the Jets are in Palmerston North and face the Saints on Sunday 5 April. Earlier, Tyson Thata-Paese hit five threes in his season-high 25 points to take the Jets to a 42-26 win in the Rapid League contest. Manawatu Jets 88 (Dontae Russo-Nance 35, Miles Gibson 24, Eric Williams Jr 13) Southland Sharks 85 (Josiah Allick 29, Alonzo Burton 20, Caleb Asberry 15, Keylan Boone 12). 1Q: 21-23, HT: 44-41, 3Q: 61-59