The Northern Wairoa Bulls remain in top position with a solid win against the Horahora Broncos 42 – 14. They move to 21 points, one point ahead of Moerewa Tigers and Takahiwai Warriors who both had wins. The Tigers mauled the Kerikeri Slayers 56 – 10.
While Takahiwai defeated the Portland Panthers 22 – 20 in a superb display of Rugby League by both teams, it was a tough physical game that Takahiwai lead from the first 5 minutes. In front of a healthy crowd the Panthers never gave up the chase. They clawed back the score to 22 – 16 and spent a majority of the last 10 minutes camped in Takahiwai’s 20metres. In the final play of the game the relentless Leroy Broughton powered over in the corner from the back of scrum 10 metres out. It all came down to a final kick – they brushed the uprights but missed.
For the Panthers, the loss drops them out of the top 6. The City Knights consolidate their place in 6th after a try scoring fest with the Hikurangi Stags drawing the game 38 ALL! Hokianga Pioneers are in 5th place with a solid 50 – 20 win over Otaua Valleys.
With three weeks left before play offs anyone can finish minor premiers. The Bulls lead on 21 points with Moerewa and Takahiwai on 20. Then Hikurangi with 19 and Hokianga follow up on 18 with City in 6th on 13 points. Just outside the top six are Portland on 12 and Muriwhenua on 11.
There are two matches of interest in the Southern Poll this week. Takahiwai Warriors host the Northern Wairoa Bulls – the winner will take top place. While the City Knights host Portland Panthers – with the winner taking 6th place. In the North, Muriwhenua will have a chance of breaking into the top 6 when they travel to Hokianga.
It’s a big week of Rugby League with Rugby League Northland hosting their Performance Camp in partnership with NZRL at Kensington Park on Sunday 7th July. Also in attendance will be Warriors Legend, Stacey Jones. The performance camp is a trial for the Northern Swords 15’s and 17’s squads.
