In perfect Autumn rugby conditions at East Tamaki Domain the home side, East Tamaki, prevailed over Grammar TEC in a 12 try thriller 46-33.

Grammar TEC went to the halftime break with a lead of 26-17 as a result of halfback Jono Hickey and winger TJ Vaega both scoring two tries each. 

Vaega's second try was an individual effort starting on the halfway line with a chip, chase and regather to outflank the opposition. Fullback Harry Plummer contributed with four conversions. 

East Tamaki made sure they kept in the contest throughout the first 40 minutes with tries to Joseph Minati and Toelau Silipa. Uilisoni Fakakovi added the extras with two conversions and a penalty. 

East Tamaki opened proceedings in the second half with an early try to Wilson Silipa to close the gap to four points. 

Kelston old boy TJ Vaega was not to be denied his hat-trick of tries for Grammar TEC when he crossed in the corner following a sweeping backline move. Harry Plummer converted from wide out to put their lead at 33-22.

The momentum of the match changed midway through the second half when, in a blistering 15 minutes period, East Tamaki scored four unanswered tries to Wilson Silipa, Siafau Talanoa, Luke Faaui and George Crichton. 

Timote Iosua took over the kicking duties and landed two conversions making the final score 46-33.

Victorious East Tamaki Captain, Laga Fasavalu was delighted that his side was able to play their famed brand of running rugby in the second half before a sizeable and very vocal home crowd who roared them on.

East Tamaki 46 (J Minati, T Silipa, W Silipa 2, S Talanoa, L Faaui, G Crichton tries, U Fakakovi 2, T Iosua 2 con, U Fakakovi pen)

Grammar TEC 33 (J Hickey 2, T Vaega 3 tries, H Plummer 4 con) Halftime 17-26