Mavericks given tickle-up
Aupouri Repo 16 Te Hiku o te Ika Mavericks 28 (HT 10-4): This battle between the early pacesetters and the slow-out-of-the-blocks Repo was the surprise result from round 3 of the Taitokerau Rugby League Premiership, less for the outcome than the closeness of the scoreline at Te Kao on Saturday.
Repo coach Lance Taylor said there was even a point late in proceedings with the score at 22-16 when the Repo were attacking the homeline and threatening to equalise; while the visitors scored off a extremely lucky bounce right on the final hooter.
He was extremely proud of his boys’ performance, having gone in to the match as the underdogs.
“I even had a couple of key players out who I reckon would have got us home,” Taylor said, speaking of the uncertainty faced by his side thanks to TRL organisers changing the draw three times before the comp even kicked off, followed by having the second game binned because of the SH1 collapse last month.
“Our season has only just kicked off for us. I wasn’t confident. Thought we were going to be in for a good old touch up. These fellows [Mavs] have set the tone. I said to the boys,‘ just get out there and do your best’. Our defence was just awesome,” he said, noting the result was also a real confidence booster to the Repo players to help them realise they could go “head to head” with the frontrunners.
“Now we can look forward to the rest of the season. Take nothing away from the Mavericks, they are a good side. You have to be on your game if you are going to knock them over.”
Repo standouts were Hori Nathan in the second row and Hemi Wi Pere at hooker, along with veteran Frank Roberts. Taylor noted the first two were young guys who cut their chops in rugby but played league like seasoned veterans.
OTHER RESULTS were, Kerikeri Makos 18 Taiamai Taniwha 18 at Kerikeri; United Valleys Crushers 10 Ngati Kahu Sharks 32: The Crushers unable to use home advantage to prevent the champions winning comfortably at Taheke Stadium; Pawarenga Broncos 16 Kaikohe Lions 60: Last year’s grand finalists starting to show the form that took them to the 2016 title and 2017 grand final; and, Waipapakauri Bombers 64 Ngati Wai Sea Hawks 16: The Bombers unloading on the Hawks at Waipap Domain.
Standings were yet to be advised by the TRL board. ■ In other league news, the Whangarei-based Rugby League Northland Premiership also kicked off on Saturday. Defending champs Moerewa Tigers pulled off a narrow 24-22 win over Takahiwai Warriors in this replay of last year’s grand final at Moerewa, Hora Hora 30 Portland Panthers 50, and, Northern Wairoa Bulls 36 Otangarei Knights 66.