New TRL competition kicks off in uncertain fashion

It was a less than auspicious start for the new Taitokerau Rugby League Premiership which got under way on Saturday with the opening week defined by virtually three one-sided games and two defaults.

With hardly any coaches from any of the clubs contacted available for comment, results were as follows.

United Valley Crushers 78 Kaikohe Lions 12: Crushers coach Peter Makiha noted this win at Taheke Stadium came over a short-handed Lions (surprising considering Kaikohe had been the form team of the competition, having made the finals for all of the past three years as well as winning the inaugural TRL title in 2016).

Regardless of the weakness of the opposition, the Crushers showed no mercy, Makiha noted.

“Still a good win, good first hit out for a new team. We are looking good,” he noted, adding a couple of players scored a couple of tries apiece but otherwise refused to single anyone out in what he described as a “good [all round] team effort, forwards and backs”.

Ngati Kahu Sharks 12 Uta Te Whanga Giants 34: The new team in the competition — apparently risen from the ashes of the Hokianga Pioneers — got its inaugural TRL campaign off to strong start at Shark Park in Taipa where one of the home side supporters was sympathetic for the players: “It was hot, ground was really hard.”

Aupouri Repo 4 Moerewa Tigers 80: Repo given a big thrashing by the Moerewa Tigers at Simson Park (the fixture reversed as fields in Te Kao apparently still not ready). Of note was that the Tigers, being able to field only one senior side this year, have chosen to go with the TRL instead of the Rugby League Northland Premiership.

Pawarenga Broncos 30 Taiamai Taniwha 0 BY DEFAULT: The Taniwha were unable to make it to Broadwood, underlining doubts over the Ohaeawai club’s ability to field senior teams in both local league (TRL) and rugby (North Zone) competitions.

Ngati Wai Sea Hawks 0 Kerikeri Makos 30 BY DEFAULT: A no-show from the Sea Hawks meant only one games of the scheduled double-header was played at Simson Park.

Elsewhere, and conspicuous by their absence from proceedings this year are defending premiers Te Hiku Mavericks (thus there is no Kaitaia representation), along with the Waipapakauri Bombers and Otaua who both fell into recess last season.

■ In other news, the Rugby League Northland senior competition is set to be contested by five teams from April 6, including the Portland Panthers, Takahiwai Warriors, Otangarei Knights, Northern Wairoa Bulls and Hora Hora Broncos; thus, no Far North relevance this season.