University 40

Green Island 29

University scored either side of the break to set up a 40-29 win in a top-of-the-table clash against Green Island at Logan Park on Saturday.

The students, who led 19-10 at the break, have started the season with five consecutive wins and they are the only unbeaten team in the competition.

The win let them overhaul the Grizzlies and move into pole position.

The game was evenly contested. Neither side was able to gain a significant advantage in the set pieces. But University were more effective around the ruck and breached the Green Island defence a little too easily at times.

University first five Rico Muliaina controlled play nicely and drilled five conversions, while fullback Stanley Solomon was threatening when he got half a gap.

Solomon, still waiting for his Highlanders debut, is an excellent communicator and plays a key role in marshalling their defence.

Both players orchestrated some effective counter-attacks for University.

Lock Jonty Townsend was a dominant…