Repo claim prized scalp in Te Kao
Aupouri Repo 38 Kaikohe Lions 32: Perhaps last year’s grand finalists didn’t make the long road trip to Te Kao very well and allowed the Repo to run out late winners in the surprise result from round 5 of the Taitokerau Rugby League Premiership.
Coach Lance Taylor wasn’t able to be there but talked to someone on the phone at the moment Zane Kaaka dived over with the matchwinning try right as the full-time hooter sounded. He understood the Repo were a “bit patchy” and trailed right up to the end, behind by 12 points at one stage, before eventually clawing their way back in the final 10.
“The old defence is going to need to be looked at. Both sides are leaking a lot of points.”
Taiamai Taniwha 4 Te Hiku o te Ika Mavericks 84: The Mavericks steamrolled the Taniwha at Ludbrook Park. Player spokesman Connor O’Sullivan said the home side put up a decent challenge for the first quarter of the game, actually bringing the score to within six points after the Mavericks had a player sent off for repeated infringements on their own line.
The visitors continued to gain momentum and Taiamai were unable to contain the onslaught in the end.
“It was a really good game for us. First time we have built throughout the whole game, completed our sets, running some good set players. He noted both teams finished with 12, O’Sullivan himself sent off for a dangerous tackle near the end and which saw tempers flare and resulted in a Taniwha player also sent packing.
Mavericks standouts included Holli Rudolph (POTD) while O’Sullivan, Hayden Lloyd and Isaac Ashley all scored three tries each.
Pawarenga Broncos 12 Ngati Kahu Sharks 72 (HT 40-0): Sharks coach Benji Phillips said the homeside never gave up but did appear to be short on numbers.
“They played really well. Great game in good spirit. The thing about the Broncos is they always play,” he said. The game may have become target practise to a certain extent but would also help ahead of this week’s top-of-the-table affair.
“Just what we needed before the Mavericks. That’s what we are building for.”
Standouts included Joel Bristowe and Billie Harrison, while also notable were winger Miles Peterson, centre Hoera James and prop Rawiri Phillips.
Other results were, Kerikeri Makos 28 Ngati Wai Sea Hawks 22: Keeping the Sea Hawks stuck to the bottom of the ladder and Waipapakauri Bombers 0 United Valleys Crushers 30 by default: A particularly disconcerting no-show from the Bombers, considering it was their home game. ■ STANDINGS (estimated): Sharks 10, Mavericks 8, Lions 6, Crushers 6, Repo 6, Taniwha 3, Broncos 3, Bombers 2, Seahawks 0. Whangarei Moerewa Tigers 46 Hora Hora Broncos 16: Defending champions Moerewa made it three wins from three rounds in the Rugby League Northland Premiership at Simson Park on Saturday.
Results from round 3 were, Otangarei Knights 36 Portland Panthers 20, and Northern Wairoa Bulls 18 Takahiwai Warriors 60. Standings: Moerewa 6, Otangarei 6, Portland 2, Takahiwai 2, North Wairoa 2, Hora Hora 0.
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