
Bulls player Jakey Mau runs it straight at Takahiwai defenders
It will come down to this weekend’s matches to determine who will take the fourth spot on the RLN Scott Electrical Premiership table recently vacated by Hokianga Pioneers. The Northern Wairoa Bulls and Portland Panthers currently sit two points adrift of each other, Portland ahead by two points, and both teams are playing two of the top teams this weekend.
If the Northern Wairoa Bulls can pull off a convincing win against their opposition, Otangarei Knights and Moerewa topple Portland, points differential will come into play. Both the Bulls and Portland have a guaranteed two points with Portland with the Bye and the Bulls scheduled to play against the withdrawn Hokianga Pioneers. However, if the Bulls lose, they will certainly be out of finals contention and can start planning for a 2017 challenge. The Bulls are going to have to throw everything they have at Otangarei in the hopes of upsetting them on their home ground.
The top three placings are cemented with Takahiwai sitting on 22 points one ahead of Moerewa on 21, whilst Otangarei have accumulated 17 points. Portland, who are currently fourth have 12 points. This sets up the final round, where the Minor Premiership will definitely be decided when the top of the table clash will see Takahiwai take on Moerewa in what could be the precursor to the Grand Final.
Upcoming fixtures in the RLN Scott Electrical Premiership:
Round 13 – 2nd July
Otangarei Knight v NW Bulls at Fishbone Park – 2.30pm
Moerewa Tigers v Portland Panthers at Simpson Park – 2.30pm
Round 14 – 9th July
Horahora Broncos v Otangarei knights at Horahora RFC – 2.30pm
Takahiwai Warriors v Moerewa Tigers at Takahiwai RLC – 2.30pm
