Search Results

Nick Voke led for most of the tournament in Sydney but had to hold late to take the title PHOTO: PGA OF AUSTRALIA New Zealand golfer Nick Voke rarely looked as if he would allow anyone a chance to genuinely challenge at the Players Series Sydney event. Voke controlled the PGA Tour of Australasia tournament at the Castle Hill Country Club in Sydney, until the final round before his control loosened as Australian Jake McLeod found his on Sunday. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns Sevens win, ABs lose to Spain Football Ferns hold Costa Rica to 1-1 draw Tall Blacks win at home against Philippines Super Rugby wins for Canes, Highlanders Matching fellow New Zealander Kazuma Kobori’s winning total of 25-under 12 months earlier, Voke’s final round of three-under 69 was enough to finish one-stroke ahead of McLeod (66) with Will Florimo (66), Travis Smyth (69) and fellow kiwi Tyler Wood (69) sharing third at 18-under. What became a nerve-wracking finish that was a two-horse race from a long way out, Voke’s stranglehold on the tournament almost slipped through his fingers. A four-stroke overnight lead grew by one after Voke made birdie at the par-5 first for the fourth straight day before McLeod clawed back that shot with a birdie at the par-3 fourth. Voke once again stretched the lead to five with birdie at the par-5 fifth yet a mis-directed lay-up and birdie by McLeod led to a two-shot swing at the short par-4 sixth, narrowing the 30-year-old’s lead to just three shots with 12 holes still to play. McLeod could only match one of Voke’s birdies at eight and nine as the lead moved out to four strokes at the turn, Voke’s advantage back out to five again with a birdie at the short par-4 12th. A ridiculous putt from the back fringe down over a tier that hit the centre of the flagstick before dropping was Voke’s sixth birdie of the day and perhaps the putt of his life in the tournament wash-up. “When I walked back to the caddie, I said, ‘Tom (Power Horan), good putt is inside eight feet’,” said Voke. “He goes, ‘You’re a content guy, surely just hole it, give it a good roll’. “As soon as I hit it, I was like, Oh, this looks pretty good.” After the excitement of the following crowd settled, an unflappable challenger in McLeod again stayed in the fight with a birdie of his own from just outside 20 feet and the golden run of Voke took a stumble. Voke dropped a shot at 14 and McLeod made birdie on 15. After taking iron off the tee at the short 16th, Voke hit his approach left of the green and had to make a putt from five feet to narrowly avoid a double bogey. The tenacious Queenslander, who has been knocking on the door of a win all season, then converted his birdie chance from 15 feet and, after leading by five with five to play, Voke’s advantage was just one heading to the 17th tee. “I was five back and I thought I was out of it,” McLeod admitted post-round. “All of a sudden, coming up the last two I was one back. “It changed pretty quickly. I’m proud of how I played.” A superb tee shot gave McLeod another look at birdie at the par-3 17th but his 12-foot putt just slipped underneath the right edge as Voke again needed to make a clutch par save to stay one in front playing the 72nd hole. With persistent rain dousing the final group as they played the 18t, both players had 78 metres into the par-5 for their third. Voke almost flew his shot into the hole before it released to the back edge as McLeod’s came to rest 15 feet short and right of the hole. After Voke putted down to a foot, McLeod had a putt to force a playoff, his birdie attempt hanging agonisingly on the right edge, leaving Voke to merely tap in and claim victory. With a flight to Queenstown and the New Zealand Open, Voke was left to ponder the difficulty of transporting his extra piece of luggage as he dried off the champagne sprayed by fellow Iowa State alumni Lachlan Barker and Tyler Wood on the 18th green.

Tohi Smith-Milner was the big scorer for the Tall Blacks in their win over Phiippines PHOTO: FIBA The Tall Blacks started strong and kept the Philippines at bay with some good defence for a 87-70 vcitory at Spark Arena in Auckland in Asica Cup qualifying In a sold out match which seemed to have the majority of the Philippines community in full voice Corey Webster celebrsted his 100th appearance for New Zealand. LATEST HEADLINES: Super Rugby wins for Canes, Highlanders Nick Voke's lead grows to four in Sydney Brake stars for Black Ferns; ABs lose one Auckland FC thrash Wellington Phoenix Alice Robinson second at GS World Cup The Tall Blacks suffered a 93-89 loss against the Gilas in Nobrmnrt but led by a career equaling 25 points from Tohi-Smith-Milner avenged that defeat in style. Webster shot an efficient five from nine for his 14 points while there were other key contributions from Reuben Te Rangi (12 points and nine rebounds), Jordan Ngatai (11 points). Point guard Taylor Britt had arguably his best game in a black singlet adding five rebounds and three assists to eight points. Despite being undermanned with Sam Waardenburg injury, the New Zealanders were better at rebounding and kept defence tight as the visitors struggled to get near the basket. injury won the rebounding count 45-42 and held their opponents to 27 from 72 (38%) from the floor while converting at 44% (30/69) themselves. There was also a notable difference from beyond the arc where New Zealand shot 39% (13/33) compared with 21% ((6/29) from the visitors. The victory ensured that the Tall Blacks finished top of Group B at the conclusion of their Asia Cup Qualifying campaign ensuring a top six seeding at the FIBA Asia Cup in August. Smith-Milner opened the scoring with an arching three and Webster scored with his opening shot as the hosts forged an 18-9 lead - Smith-Milner with three triples in the opening frame as the Tall Blacks won the period 30-15. The Philippines scored the first 4 points after the resumption and although Webster answered with a triple the visitors narrowed the deficit to 8 points at the six minute mark in the period. Smith-Milner, after making his fourth effort from beyond the arc, was forced to the bench after picking up a third foul – a pair of Taylor Britt jump shots restoring the Tall Blacks double figure lead. The Tall Blacks outscored the Gilas 10-2 over the closing minutes to carry momentum and a 53-33 lead into the half-time break. Spearheaded by Smith-Milner (4/6) and Ngatai (2/5) the Tall Blacks shot 10 from 19 from beyond the arc with the Filipinos restricted to 2 from 11 from deep and 13 from 34 overall in the half. A pair of technical fouls picked up by the Philippines, much to the consternation of coach Tim Cone, helped the Tall Blacks cause – their lead close to thirty after a Te Rangi score. The volume of support from the Philippines fans increased markedly as their team reduced the deficit to 19 points (74-55) ahead of the final quarter. Gilas Pilipinas scored the opening points of the final period and were within 11 points with 6 minutes to play before scores from Webster and Kaia Isaac necessitated a time out from the visitors. Livewire guard Chris Newsome raised the Philippines hopes with a couple of baskets but the Tall Blacks weathered the storm to close out a deserved victory while also providing playing time and second caps for Tama Isaac and Jackson Ball. Tall Blacks 87 – Tohi Milner 25pts, 9 rebounds, Corey Webster 14pts, ReubenTe Rangi 12pts 9rebs, Jordan Ngatai 11pts Philippines 70 Chris Newsome 13pts, June Mar Fajardo 11pts, Justin Brownlee 10pts Tall Blacks Results– Asia Cup Qualifiers 2025 22 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (away): WON 89-69 25 Feb 2024 – NZL vs Hong Kong (Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland): WON 88-49 21 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Philippines (away): LOST 89-93 25 Nov 2024 – NZL vs Chinese Taipei (Christchurch): WON 81-64 20 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Hong Kong (away) WON 92-51 23 Feb 2025 – NZL vs Philippines (Spark Arena, Auckland) WON 87-70 5-17 Aug 2025 – FIBA Asia Cup 2025 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

The 14-man Highlanders have hung on for a famous upset victory over the Blues in Dunedin. Despite playing the last 20 minutes a man down after hooker Daniel Lienert-Brown was sent off, the Highlanders clung to a 29-21 win at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Nick Voke's lead grows to four in Sydney Brake stars for Black Ferns; ABs lose one Auckland FC thrash Wellington Phoenix Alice Robinson second at GS World Cup Chiefs too quick, too strong for Crusaders Wing Sam Gilbert and fullback Finn Hurley accounted for all the points for the Highlanders, who were reduced to 13 players at one point in the second half as front row injuries prevented them from packing down a scrum. Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai produced a big effort to get his side home with three turnovers as the side honoured departed outside back Connor Garden-Bachop before the game. Finn Hurley scored two spectacular tries for the Highlanders. PHOTO: HIGHLANDERS For the Blues there was limited highlights with a number of senior players having off days and some senseless kicking to the man instead of space The defending champion Blues are winless after two rounds in 2025 and face the Hurricanes in Wellington next week. The Highlanders play Moana Pasifika in Auckland. The Hurricanes also picked up their first victory of the season on Saturday, with Harry Godfrey's 76th-minute try lifting them to a 38-34 win over the Fijian Drua at Napier's McLean Park. Cam Roigard had a strong influence for the home side scoring after 38 seconds when he darted 20 metres from the back of the ruck before off-loading to flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi. But in a sign of things to come the Drua, who were pipped by the ACT Brumbies in round one, hit back in the sixth minute, with Iliesa Junior Ratuva catching the Hurricanes defence short out wide. The scoreboard continued to tick over with the Fijians ahead 22-19 at halftime, helped by some poor discipline by the home side with both Kirifi and Will Tucker yellow-carded. The Drua could have been further in front but flanker Meli Derenalagi threw a wild pass that went metres forward with the tryline beckoning. Minutes later flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula then launched an unnecessarily long cut-out pass to Taniela Rakuro, with the winger ruled to have put his hand on the dead-ball line as he grounded the ball. The islanders pushed the lead out to 27-19 with lock Isoa Nasilasila at the end of some quick hands but then Roigard played his hand in the 58th minute, sniping through a hole for a one-point ball game. The Hurricanes hit the lead after 67 minutes with centre Bailyn Sullivan running onto a long Roigard pass but it was short-lived with the bold Drua scoring off a long five metre line-out to regain the lead 34-31. With five minutes remaining, the visitors spilt the restart and the Hurricanes pounced, with Riley Hohepa bursting through the defence before finding Godfrey for the match-winner. Highlanders 29 (Finn Hurley 2, Sam Gilbert tries; Sam Gilbert con, 4 pen) Blues 21 (Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Ricky Riccitelli tries; Beauden Barrett 3 con). HT: 13-14 Hurricanes 38 (Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Fehi Fineanganofo, Cam Roigard, Bailyn Sullivan, Harry Godfrey tries; Harry Godfrey 4 con) Fijian Drua 34 (Junior Ratuva, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani, Isoa Nasilasila, Elia Canakaivata tries; Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula 3 con, pen). HT: 19-22

Men’s Freeski Slopestyle World Cup podium in Stoneham. [L-R] Luca Harrington (NZL) 2nd, Matej Svancer (AUT) 1st, Ben Barclay (NZL) 3rd. PHOTO: FIS PARK & PIPE Wanaka skiers Luca Harrinton and Ben Barclay have made history becoming the first New Zealanders to make the podium together in the FIS Freeski Slopestyle World Cup. The two freeskiers finished in second and third place respectively at the FIS Freeski Slopestyle World Cup in Stoneham, Quebec., the first time two New Zealand athletes have shared a Park & Pipe World Cup podium. LATEST HEADLINES: Robinson keeps consistent with third Nick Voke's lead increases in Sydney Brake stars for Black Ferns; ABs lose one Auckland FC thrash Wellington Phoenix Voke leading in Sydney ; Fox misses cut Harrington was thrilled to share the podium with Barclay “It was extremely special, we have put so much work in together - we train together every day, we travel together, so it was amazing to stand together on the podium.” Barclay was equally stoked with the result and sharing the podium with his kiwi mate “If there is one person I’m not to fussed bumping me down [from second into third] it is Luca. Luca has been on a tear this season, so to join him on the podium is a dream come true, it was amazing.” The course in Stoneham encouraged the athletes to get creative. With two jumps at the top of the course and then three rail pads providing numerous line options, it was a competition that showed the diversity of the rider’s skillsets. Barclay opted for a technical run to show off his skills, including back-to-back double corked 1620’s on the jumps and a bio 810 out of the first rail feature. Dropping at the start of the field, Barclay was initially positioned in first place, before Matej Svancer of Austria and teammate Harrington leapfrogged him with their final runs. Harrington, a big air specialist, made the most of the jumps putting down a switch right double corked 1800 Japan grab into a switch left double 1620 safety grab. He then laced together a technical rail section that included a 450 gap between two rail features. Svancer remained in the lead to take the win, with Harrington in second and Barclay in third, just 0.54 points separating the two. It is their second Slopestyle World Cup podium Men’s Freeski Slopestyle World Cup podium in Stoneham. [L-R] Luca Harrington (NZL) 2nd, Matej Svancer (AUT) 1st, Ben Barclay (NZL) 3rd. Credit FIS Park & Pipe.

Alice Robinson in action in Sestriere in the Giant Slalom where she finished third PHOTO: CHRISTOPHE PALLOT/AGENCE ZOOM Alice Robinson has followed up her second on day one at the FIS Giant Slalom World Cup in Sestriere, with third place on the second day of racing. Robinson, 23 has had a consistent season with a podium at every Giant Slalom World Cup race she has finished. LATEST HEADLINES: Nick Voke's lead increases in Sydney Brake stars for Black Ferns; ABs lose one Auckland FC thrash Wellington Phoenix Voke leading in Sydney ; Fox misses cut Alice Robinson second at GS World Cup “It’s a little bit bitter sweet, I was feeling really good and wanted to see if I could get a bit of revenge for yesterday! I think I just wanted to push, didn’t find the limit on the top and made a mistake and lost time.” After the first run Robinson had the lead but with the top 14 racers all within one second of her, it was going to be a tightly fought second run. Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami was sitting in second, with Canadian Britt Richardson skiing up from bib 21 into third place. “It was quite a different feeling to yesterday, yesterday it felt so easy – the snow was smooth, the light was perfect and the courses were really rhythmical. Today it was fast, bumpy and dark so it was quite different but I am happy I was able to charge and put down a good run," said Robinson. Heading into run two, Robinson focussed on executing technically sound, solid skiing on the course that was getting bumpy, but a small mistake in the top section resulted in a reduction in pace as she approached the flatter section of the course. Federica Brignone of Italy charged from fourth place into the top spot and took the win by -0.77 seconds over Gut-Behrami who finished in second place. Robinson finished in third just +0.79 behind Brignone. When asked about Brignone’s excellent form, Robinson said; “She has been on fire across all disciplines, so it is cool that I get to have a fight with her in GS, she is skiing amazing and I am trying my best to keep up!” Robinson will now switch gears and equipment as she heads into the Downhill and Super G World Cup in Kvitfjell, Norway next weekend.

Nick Voke leads by four at the Player Series Sydney tournament. PHOTO: PGA TOUR OF AUSTRALASIA New Zealand golfer Nick Voke will take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the PGA Tour of Australasia's Players Series Sydney event. Entering day three up two, the Asian Tour pro ended the day at 22-under, with a four-shot cushion over Australian Jake McLeod following a five-under 67 at the Castle Hill Country Club on Saturday. LATEST HEADLINES: Brake stars for Black Ferns; ABs lose one Auckland FC thrash Wellington Phoenix Voke leading in Sydney ; Fox misses cut Alice Robinson second at GS World Cup Chiefs too quick, too strong for Crusaders Fellow Kiwi Tyler Wood is one of three players tied for third a further three strokes back at 15-under, while Momoka Kobori is the third-best woman in the field, five shots off the pace, tied for 26th at nine-under. The action was front-loaded for Voke, with an eagle, four birdies and a bogey in the first seven holes, before 11 straight pars. The 30-year-old eagled the par-five fifth hole, following it with back-to-back birdies. Wood produced one of the low rounds of the day, a bogey-free eight-under 64, to move up 16 places. He made four straight birdies on the front-nine and three in a row on the back-nine. Kobori dropped from a tie for fifth after a one-over 73 that featured two birdies and three bogeys. At the DP World Tour's Kenya Open, Kazuma Kobori dropped into a share of 56th after a third-round two-over 73. The 23-year-old compiled three birdies and five bogeys at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on Saturday (Sunday NZ Time) to fall to even-par for the week, 14 shots behind the leader, South African Jacques Kruyswijk. Kobori, the younger brother of Momoka, made a promising start, with two birdies in the first seven holes, before three straight bogeys around the turn as he dropped four shots in a six-hole stretch.

Nick voke had a superb opening two rounds in Sydney in the Challenger PGA Tour of Australia PHOTO: PGA OF AUSTRALIA Kiwi golfer Nick Voke has a two-shot lead midway through the Players Series Sydney event. He carded a nine-under 63 in the second round on Friday to go with his first-round eight-under 64 to sit at 17-under overall. LATEST HEADLINES: Robinson 2nd Giant Slalom World Cup Chiefs far too good for Crusaders Fox sinks giant putt on PGA Tour NZC and Sky TV new six-year deal NBL rosters filling up as season nears His two-round total of 127 is the lowest 36-hole total this season on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and betters the previous tournament record of 128 set by Grace Kim at Bonnie Doon in 2022. Meanwhile, after a record putt in round one Ryan Fox has missed the cut at the low scoring Mexico Open on the PGA Tour. Fox carded a second round 72 to follow his opening round 68, however a total of two-under wasn't good enough to go within the cut of three-under. Fox birdied the sixth and 18th holes in his round but a bogey on the 10th as well as 16th and 17th put his effectively out of the tournament. South African Aldrich Potgieter leads at 16-under. Kazuma Kobori is tied 36th on the DP World Tour event at two-under after consecutive 70's in Nairobi, He sits 12 shots behind the leader John Parry of England.

The Black Caps and White Ferns are back on Sky TV again PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY If you're keen on cricket and watching the Black Cap and White Ferns play at home, then Sky TV will be your place to be from next season. Sky will host home internationals across their platforms from the 2026-27 season for six years. LATEST HEADLINES: NBL rosters filling up as season nears Tall Blacks rout Hong Kong on the road Defender Sakai remains at Auckland FC Losses for New Zealand tennis quartet White Ferns bowler Penfold out injured New Zealand Cricket and Sky have agreed terms on a six-year deal from 2026-27 to 2031-32 (inclusive) which will see the Black Caps and White Ferns internationals return to the Kiwi broadcaster for the first time since 2020. NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said it was important for the game in New Zealand to have certainty over its short-to-mid-term domestic broadcasting future. “We’re delighted to form this new partnership with Sky and to be able to ensure the best possible access for Kiwi-based fans. “We look forward to working with Sky to continue to deliver outstanding production values and cutting-edge technology for the benefit of all supporters.” Weenink said NZC was hugely grateful for the partnerships with Spark and TVNZ, the latter of which will remain the carrier for all NZC home internationals and Dream11 Super Smash games until the end of next summer. “We have an amazing relationship with TVNZ and we’re looking forward to continuing and developing that relationship over the balance of our agreement, and potentially after that in respect of free-to-air T20Is and the Dream11 Super Smash.” Sky chief executive Sophie Moloney said: “Sport fans across New Zealand love their cricket, and we are delighted to be bringing Black Caps and White Ferns internationals back to Sky and our valued customers. “Sky and NZC are committed to delivering Black Caps and White Ferns home internationals to New Zealanders in ways that work for them, including a free-to-air component. “Details of the broadcast arrangements will be announced closer to start of the 2026-27 season.” The new agreement with Sky relates to home internationals. Free-to-access arrangements for the domestic Dream11 Super Smash competition will be released separately.

Michaela Brake (nee Blyde) has the new scoring reocrd for the Black Ferns Sevens. PHOTO: WORLD SEVENS The Black Ferns Sevens beat Ireland in a game where Michaela Brake took the outright try-scoring record on the Women's World Sevens Series. She required two tries to equal fellow Kiwi Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, but instead scored five tries, all in the first half, in the 58-7 win over Ireland at the Vancouver Sevens on Friday, to take the record to 259. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland FC thrash Wellington Nix Fox misses cut, Voke leads in Aussie Robinson 2nd Giant Slalom World Cup Chiefs far too good for Crusaders Fox sinks giant putt on PGA Tour In their second game, 29-year-old Brake scored again as the Black Ferns accounted for China 38-7. They will play the United States in their final pool match. The All Blacks Sevens team have finished day one at BC Place with a win and a loss. After a first-up 12-10 loss to South Africa, the All Blacks Sevens have seen off Australia 17-7 and will meet Ireland to wrap pool play on day two.

New Zealand's Alice Robinson (left) was second in the FIS Giant Slalom World Cup in Italy PHOTO: FIS ALPINE Kiwi alpine skier Alice Robinson has finished second at the FIS Giant Slalom World Cup held in Sestriere, Italy. It was the 23-year-old's 15th career podium at World Cup level continuing her consistent season. LATEST HEADLINES: Chiefs far too good for Crusaders Fox sinks giant putt on PGA Tour NZC and Sky TV new six-year deal NBL rosters filling up as season nears Tall Blacks rout Hong Kong on the road “It is so nice to get another podium, I am a little bit disappointed that I couldn’t hold the lead but obviously I am really happy with another second place.” said Robinson. Excellent visibility and snow conditions greeted the athletes as they prepared to race on the long and physically demanding course. Robinson, in bib 5, executed a brilliant first run, making the most of the available speed in the opening section to carry her across the flats before digging in with her trademark dynamic skiing throughout the final few pitches. Securing the lead over closest rival Federica Brignone of Italy by -0.19, Robinson took her spot in the hot seat, where she remained for the rest of run one with none of her following competitors coming closer than +1.03 to her exceptional time. “It was a really solid run, I was feeling calm this morning and I felt a good feeling on this snow. I got into a really good rhythm from the top and I felt like I attacked and also had a good bit of touch when it was a bit more grippy at the bottom. There are still a couple things I would like to improve on the second run but I am happy.” The final athlete to push out the start gate for run two, Robinson lead with her 0.19 second advantage. Brignone, the second to last racer, had put down a blistering second run to take the lead by -1.57 and Robinson had her work cut out for her to top Brignone’s time. Robinson put down a great second run, but wasn’t able to catch Brignone who took the win on home snow, with Robinson finishing in second place, just +0.40 behind the Italian. Thea Louise Stjernesund of Norway rounded out the podium in third. Robinson headed into the race off the back of her historic World Championships medal last week and as a favourite as the current leader of the FIS Giant Slalom World Cup standings. “It has been a really exciting past month, it’s cool to be leading the GS standings for the first time and a medal at World Champs is just great, so hoping to keep it rolling!” she said. The result Robinson maintains her lead in the World Cup standings. When asked about the pressure in a pre-race interview, Robinson explained; “I think for sure that there is more pressure, but something that I keep reminding myself is that this is what we want, this is our sport - you have to just take it in your stride, and this is the dream so I am just trying to take it in my stride and enjoy it.” This is the first of two back-to-back Giant Slalom World Cup races in Sestriere. Robinson will be back in the start gate again for the second race, taking learnings from today’s race into her skiing with her sights firmly set on the top step of the podium.

Neyder Moreno scored a hat-trick in Auckland's thrashing of Wellington Phoenix PHOTO: A-LEAGUE Auckland FC have completed a clean sweep of New Zealand Derby wins over Wellington Phoenix in season 2024-25 with a 6-1 victory inspired by a Neyder Moreno hat-trick at Mt Smart. Meeting for the third time this season, Auckland romped to a 3-0 lead at half-time, with Moreno scoring twice in five minutes before Logan Rogerson put the hosts out of sight with their third goal before half-time. LATEST HEADLINES: Fox misses cut, Voke leads in Aussie Robinson 2nd Giant Slalom World Cup Chiefs far too good for Crusaders Fox sinks giant putt on PGA Tour NZC and Sky TV new six-year deal Four minutes after the break, Wellington teenager Luke Brooke-Smith became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer with an opportunistic finish that gave the visitors hope but Moreno put Auckland back in control with his hat-trick goal on the hour mark. With 80 minutes on the clock, Rogerson scored his second goal of the game with a long-distance stunner as they extended their lead to four. Jesse Randall capped off the phenomenal Auckland performance with his side’s sixth of the game in the final minute of stoppage time. Auckland head coach Steve Corica began the season utilising Moreno as an impact player off the bench but the Colombian has quickly become a pivotal starter for the side. The derby hat-trick brought Moreno to within one goal of Sydney FC’s Joe Lolley who leads the A-League’s current Golden Boot race with nine goals. Saturday’s derby played out in front of 27,009 fans at Mt Smart the biggest-ever regular season crowd for a club football game in New Zealand, as Auckland extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points. Wellington made a bright start to the New Zealand Derby and earned an early free-kick on the edge of the box when Auckland centre-back Nando Pijnaker clattered into Corban Piper as the Phoenix youngster attempted to drive into the penalty area. Pijnaker earned a yellow card for his troubles, and up stepped Hideki Ishige to take the resulting free-kick. Ishige bent the ball toward the top-left corner and would have found the back of the net if not for a diving save from Alex Paulsen. Max Mata had the ball in the back of the net for Auckland but the home crowd’s celebrations were thwarted by the referee’s whistle. It was adjudged Mata had pushed Tim Payne to ground before dispatching his header on goal. But the disallowed goal proved only to be a warning to the Phoenix of what was to come, as Auckland scored three goals in nine minutes to surge to a 3-0 lead before half-time. Moreno opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark after another De Vries free-kick angled toward Alby Kelly-Heald on the goal line; the Phoenix keeper swatted the ball away but couldn’t clear the danger as Moreno attacked the loose ball in the box to fire the hosts into the lead. Five minutes later, Moreno doubled his tally with a similar strike on the half-volley, buried past Kelly-Heald into the back of the net. Barely settled back into their seats after celebrating Moreno’s quickfire brace, the home fans were quickly back on their feet when Rogerson put Auckland into a three-goal lead with a close-range header in front of The Port. There was a lengthy delay as the officiating team assessed whether Rogerson had strayed offside before receiving Felipe Gallegos’ cross off the left wing but the lines drawn by the VAR concluded Phoenix full-back Lukas Kelly-Heald had kept Rogerson onside. Phoenix coach Italiano swung the changes at half-time, bringing Brooke-Smith, Nathan Walker and Alex Rufer off his bench in place of Lukas Kelly-Heald, Fin Roa Conchie and Hideki Ishige – and the change in personnel helped the visitors get back into the contest. Four minutes after the restart, Wellington made it 3-1 when 16-year-old Brooke Smith found himself in the right place at the right time to become the club’s youngest-ever A-League goalscorer. At 16 years and 261 days, the highly-rated Phoenix forward jumped ahead of a host of club favourites on Wellington’s list of all-time youngest scorers:

Crusaders Seevu Reece looks to get past a wall of Chiefs in Xavier Roe, Bradley Slater and Aiden Ross PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Two in a row for the Chiefs as they easily put away the Crusaders in Hamilton 49-25 to start the season unbeaten. Former All Black Quinn Tupaea finished with a double in his 50th Super Rugby game as the hosts blew away the Crusaders in a match that was evenly balanced for 50 minutes. LATEST HEADLINES: Fox sinks giant putt on PGA Tour NZC and Sky TV new six-year deal NBL rosters filling up as season nears Tall Blacks rout Hong Kong on the road Defender Sakai remains at Auckland FC The Chiefs started the scoring through winger Emoni Narawa’s quick tap in the fourth minute, with Damian McKenzie’s penalty giving them an early 10-0 lead. However, their momentum was halted as they dealt with early injuries. Captain Luke Jacobson came off the field with a broken nose, quickly followed over by centre Rameka Poihipi after he fell awkwardly in a tackle. The Crusaders capitalised on the chaos and it was magic man Kyle Preston with the answer. Preston, in his debut start, made it four tries in two game when Cullen Grace went through the gap and found the half back. Ethan Blackadder followed this up after a smart quick tap from Sevu Reece and when James O’Connor came on and slotted a penalty, the scores were even. This is where the Chiefs turned the game as coach Clayton McMillan unleashed his bench with great success. Former sevens player Leroy Carter started a run of five straight tries after burning the visitors on the edge. Samipeni Finau followed him over before Josh Jacomb finished off a great Damian McKenzie break. Tupaea was in the mood to celebrate in his 50th game for the club and got the opportunity to mark his milestone with two tries in three minutes. Antonio Shalfoon stopped the bleeding for the Crusaders with a late try but it was too little, too late. It sends the Chiefs into a clash with the Brumbies full of momentum and on top of the ladder for the time being. Meanwhile, the Crusaders will head to the bye hoping their injury list eases as they prepare for the Queensland Reds in 16 days time. Chiefs 49 (Quinn Tupaea 2, Josh Jacomb, Samipeni Finau, Leroy Carter, Xavier Roe,Emoni Narawa tries ; McKenzie 4 cons 2 pen) Crusaders 25 (Kyle Preston, Ethan Blackadder, Shalfoon tries, Chay Fihaki, Taha Kemara cons, James O'Connor 1 con 1 pen)