Hat Trick Hero
Joe Rau player coach for the Hikurangi Stags was instrumental in his side’s 40 -14 domination over the Takahiwai Warriors. Both teams were previously undefeated in the Southern Zone and the game was billed as the match of the round. However, Hikurangi turned up with a ruthless attitude to Rugby League and were punishing on both defense and attack.
For Hikurangi it was a pleasing finish to the week after the disappointment of [Hikurangi] being deducted two points for fielding an improper player, after it was found out that Te Tuhi Tipene was never cleared from his Australian club.
In other results the Northern Wairoa Bulls relished home ground advantage with a 32 – 30 thriller over the Portland Panthers, the City Knights secured their first win over Horahora, Muriwhenua Kuaka showed their home ground domination over Otaua Valleys with a 36 – 10 win and the Hokianga Pioneers have signaled their intentions to the competition with a 46 – 4 thrashing of the Kerikeri Slayers. Premiership leaders, the Moerewa Tigers, had the Bye.
Moerewa Tiger’s currently top the table with Hikurangi Stags, Takahiwai Warriors and Hokianga Pioneers tied up in second place. This week sees cross over rounds where the pride of the North takes on Southern Pride. Matches to note will be Muriwhenua Kuaka hosting the Northern Wairoa Bulls and the Hokianga Pioneers hosting the Takahiwai Warriors.
| HOME TEAM | AWAY TEAM | |||
| Muriwhenua Kuaka | 36 | vs | Otaua Valleys | 10 |
| BYE | – | vs | Moerewa Tigers | – |
| Kerikeri Slayers | 4 | vs | Hokianga Pioneers | 46 |
| Northern Wairoa Bulls | 32 | vs | Portland Panthers | 30 |
| Hora Hora Broncos | 10 | vs | City Knights | 36 |
| Hikurangi Stags | 40 | vs | Takahiwai Warriors | 14 |
Click here for full results table
The photo in this article is courtesy of John Stone, Northern Advocate. Click here for the full news story by Cameron Leslie
