Finally something to cheer

said. “We played the full 80 minutes, stayed confident and scored the points.”

With two sending-offs, the physical contact was immense. Awanui’s No 8 Mana Taylor was outstanding and Puhi kicked the vital points.

Awanui, at home, now face a strong Kaikohe side, who just pipped Kaitaia 18-17. This was a match that Kaitaia should have won. They missed the easy penalties, and the lack of commitment in the last 10 minutes cost them.

Kaikohe, who were physical in the forwards, led by Jack Tango, just had that little extra bit of class. Kaitaia now goes to Ta¯ ipa to face unbeaten Eastern, who ran rampant for their big 45-12 win against O¯ haeawai.

“We were always in front, and hung in there for a solid win,” coach Dave Jurlina said.

O¯ haeawai had the lineouts but it was Eastern’s backs who cut loose. Hooker Campbell Matthews, Dane Subritzky and Troy Harvey all scored two tries each.

And that’s how Mat sees it.