After almost two years without success, Central Vipers broke their losing run in the Pirtek NZRL National Premiership with a 32-22 away win over Wellington Orcas at Porirua Park.
The team included Whanganui prop Gordon Karaitiana from the Whanganui Boxon Club, while Boxon teammate Che Barlow was out injured. Central Vipers trainer Haze Reweti is also a Boxon member.
Trailing 16-12 at halftime, the visitors edged ahead with tries to five-eighth Dylan Hall and wing Joe Ratu, their second each, soon after the restart, and finally clinched the result with a late double to halfback Aarron Whitikia.
The Vipers last tasted victory in 2012, when they defeated Northern Swords 36-8. They went winless through last season, conceding 100 points to Counties Manukau in their final outing.
But they hinted at better things in last week's 2014 season opener, pushing Canterbury Bulls all the way in an 18-12 defeat.