Repo transform into Giant killers

Aupouri Repo 64 Uta Te Whanga Giants 22 (HT 16-14): The Giants travelled with the bare minimum and managed to hold their own for the first spell of this encounter from round 10 of the Taitokerau Rugby League Premiership before the Repo got on top of proceedings and ran away to a big win by the end of the day.

Giants player/ coach Vincent Joyce said the long away trip had been a tough one with a lot of players either unavailable or not up for it; a common enough issue for any travelling Far North sporting team. He still applauded the efforts of those who did put their hands up, particularly standouts Tangaroa Marshall and Selwyn Beckham.

“It was wet and cold on our way up there but fined up when we arrived,” Joyce said of the conditions during the match.

Giants have one more away game to play before hosting their first true home game of the season at Horeke.

Taiamai Taniwha 36 Kerikeri Makos 26: Taiamai claimed the Makos scalp in squally conditions at Ludbrook Park.

Kerikeri player/ coach Tim O’Leary said it was a good intense game and that despite the defeat, the performance reflected the definite progression the visiting team had made so far this season.

“We just need to shake off our slow starts but overall I’m happy.

“Few things to work on but credit to players who turn up to trainings week in week out and thanks to our loyal sponsors.”

Standouts were Brenton and Hone for scoring tries up the middle.

Nga¯ ti Kahu Sharks 10 United Valleys Crushers 20: Perhaps the upset of the round with the Crushers claiming an away win at Shark Park in Taipa over the 2016 champions.

Pawarenga Broncos 6 Moerewa Tigers 34: The Tigers hammered home the previous week’s Iwi Origin win by Nga¯ puhi (that match also played at the Broadwood A&P Showgrounds) with a comfortable away win.

STANDINGS were yet to be updated at edition time.