Taiamai edge depleted Giants
UTA TE WHANGA GIANTS 20 TAIAMAI TANIWHA 26: The Giants suffered an away loss (the match technically listed as their home game) at Ludbrook Park in round 11 of the Taitokerau Rugby League Premiership on Saturday.
The side came roaring out of the gates at the start of the season but have since become beleaguered by issues familiar to many other Far North sports teams and which seem to become even more exacerbated whenever a road trip is on the cards.
Giants coach Vincent Joyce said there was no need to push the panic button just yet, and while many of the reasons for players becoming unavailable were genuine, it was still frustrating.
“Fellows can’t turn up . . . [some have] got jobs on the weekend. Good game, it was alright. Windy. ”
Standouts were again the duo singled out for praise the previous week, Tangaroa Mansell and Selwyn Beckham.
The Giants are now looking forward to hosting their first actual home game of their debut campaign in the TRL this coming weekend, with the Tigers travelling to Horeke.
NGATI KAHU SHARKS 36 KERIKERI MAKOS 20 (halftime 22-8): Ngati Kahu emerged victorious in the battle of the sharks in Taipa on Saturday.
Despite the loss, Makos player coach Timo O’Leary was pleased with his side’s effort.
“It was good, bit of an improvement from us. Still lacking in a couple of things, but credit to the boys, keep showing up, least it’s stuff we can fix.”
Standout was Fredan in the second row: “He was good, really solid game in both defence and attack.”
Other results from Saturday saw Aupouri Repo pip the Pawarenga Broncos 28-26 at Te Kao in the closest match of the round; while the United Valleys Crushers ended up being well beaten by competition pacesetters, Moerewa Tigers, by 56-16, at Taheke Stadium.