Narrow win to Moerewa Tigers

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around 10-15 minutes left but allowed the visitors to come roaring back which made for a thrilling final quarter albeit a nervous one for the home team supporters.

“The boys just did some silly things. Our discipline went out the door a little bit, gave away some easy penalties. The boys were looking for the final whistle.”

Taylor noted both sides were sitting in fourth spot before the game while the win helped lift Repo in to third.

Other results were, Taiamai Taniwha 16 Ngati Wai Seahawks 32, Kerikeri Makos 8 Kaikohe Lions 38, bye: Pawarenga Broncos.

■ STANDINGS: Mavericks (diff 458) 26 points, Kaikohe (366) 24, Aupouri (95) 21, Ngati Kahu (252) 20, United Valleys (144) 19, Pawarenga (-170) 13, Ngati Wai (-136) 11, Kerikeri (-312) 5, Taiamai (-403) 3.

WHANGA¯ REI

Moerewa Tigers 10 Otangarei Knights 8 (HT 6-8): Following a bye the previous week, the Tigers managed to emerge as narrow winners over the Knights in the final week, 15, of the regular Rugby League Northland Premiership season at Simson Park.

Trailing at halftime, it was captain Herewini McGregor who led by example when he crossed over 15 minutes into the second spell for both matchwinner and the only points scored during the arm wrestle. Moerewa’s first half try was scored by Anahia Anderson.

Tigers coach Peter Prime said the match became a real slugfest in the mud and wet conditions at Simson Park on Saturday.

“It was a tough game. Both sides were poor with the ball, both sides could defend their line too.”

Tigers standout was second rower Isaac Toi, while notable for Otangarei was Kaitaia ex-pat Daley Johnson at lock (“Should be playing for us,” Prime said, half joking.)

The other result from the Whangarei City and Districts competition on Saturday was, Takahiwai Warriors 36 Hora Hora Broncos 11, with Portland Panthers getting the bye. Final standings: Takahiwai 25, Otangarei 23, Moerewa 23, Portland 10, Hora Hora 4.

While unconfirmed by RLN at time of going to press, it is understood the top four play offs are, 1v2: Takahiwai vs Otangarei (with the winner going straight through to the final on August 4), 3v4 Moerewa vs Portland Panthers (the loser eliminated, the winner facing the 1v2 loser on July 28).

Both major and minor semifinals will be played at Trigg Arena this Saturday.