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England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler anticipates the chance of a catch as New Zealand batsman Jakob Bhula looks to hit the ball under his eyes at Cobham Oval yesterday. Photo / John Stone

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Cricket: England superstars battle Cobham pitch

14 Nov, 2019 5:00am
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England showed great batting skill on day one at Northland's premier cricket ground.

Northland para cyclist Emma Foy (right) and her sighted pilot Hannah van Kampen secured another world record in Cambridge on Sunday. Photo / Macspeedfoto

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World record tumbles for Foy

13 Nov, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

This year just keeps getting better and better for Northland's Emma Foy.

Sherwood Park Golf Club life members (from left) Anne Webb, Ted Glover, Val Lawrie and Bev Beehre cut the cake at the club's 50th anniversary on Sunday. Photo / Supplied

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Sherwood Park celebrates 50 years

12 Nov, 2019 2:00pm
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Whangārei mayor Sheryl Mai opened proceedings in front of a packed house on Sunday.

Otamatea High School's Kellan Antunovich (left) uses some trickery to keep the ball away from the opposition yesterday at ASB Stadium. Photo / John Stone

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Young futsal players do battle

12 Nov, 2019 12:00pm
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The young futsal enthusiasts picked a good day to stay inside and avoid the rain.

Northland senior men's cricket team coach Neal Parlane, seen here in Maungakaramea colours, said there were a number of positives to take out of Northland's tough game against Hamilton. Photo / File

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Cricket: Verma rains on Northland's parade

12 Nov, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

After being bowled out for just 81, Northland rallied but couldn't get the win.

Northland men's golf team, standing behind the junior team, achieved history with their first outright Garrard Shield win since the tournament's inception in 1955. Photo / Supplied

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Golfers achieve historic Garrard Shield win

12 Nov, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

While Northland were co-winners in 2017, this year is the first outright win since 1955.

The Thomas Neale Tennis Centre in Whangārei has been busy over the best few weeks with the start of the club tennis season, Tennis Northland president Raewyn Heywood seen here. Photo / File

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Local tennis, bowls and golf results

11 Nov, 2019 2:00pm
7 minutes to read

With the weather slowly warming, Northland's tennis enthusiasts have hit the courts.

It was an odd sensation to parade the chequered flag after winning a race as the only participant, but spending the day at the speedway would have to be one of the best. Photo / John Stone

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Adam Pearse spends a day at the speedway

11 Nov, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

A day at the speedway couldn't have gone better for Advocate sports editor Adam Pearse.

Kamo batsman Dylan Clark smashes a ball down the ground in their game against City at the Kamo Recreation Ground on Saturday. Photo / John Stone

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Cricket: Kamo add to City's woes

11 Nov, 2019 10:00am
4 minutes to read

Rain affected play for a short time in the morning before the Kamo premiers went to work.

All Blacks midfield stalwart Sonny Bill Williams (centre) will soon be employing his talents in the UK Super League after signing a record deal with Toronto Wolfpack rugby league club. Photo / File

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SBW exit a dark omen for the All Blacks aura

9 Nov, 2019 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

Sonny Bill Williams is just the latest player to chase the big bucks overseas.

Whangārei Girls' High School player Havanna Rahui composes herself before serving against Tikipunga High School on Wednesday at ASB Stadium. Photo / John Stone

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School teams announce intentions ahead of finals

9 Nov, 2019 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

All of last week's action will culminate on Wednesday at ASB Stadium.

While there are tough roads ahead, world champion duo Emma Foy (left) and Hannah van Kampen are meeting them head on before the Paralympics in Tokyo next year. Photo / Allan McKenzie - SWpix.com

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Foy has 10 days to make history

9 Nov, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

Northland's Emma Foy has a huge mountain to climb and she's very close to the summit.

Cobham Oval will play host to some of the best cricketers England has to offer in two games next week. Photo / File

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NZ teams named to play England in Whangārei

9 Nov, 2019 10:00am
2 minutes to read

Make sure you travel to Cobham Oval next week to see England's best cricketers play.

A combination of poor waves and bad luck marred Northland surfer Tom Robinson's campaign at the World Junior Surfing Championships in the United States last week. Photo / Salina Galvan Photography

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Pain pushing Robinson forward

8 Nov, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

There's nothing like the pain of losing to make you more determined next time.

ASB's Northland regional manager Ngaire Angus speaking at the 2019 Northland secondary school sports awards at ASB Stadium in October. Photo / langwoods.co.nz

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ASB pulls stadium naming rights sponsorship

7 Nov, 2019 1:00pm
4 minutes to read

Previously sponsored by the Northern Advocate, Kensington Stadium will lose its ASB title.

Northland's Bert Horner certainly had his eye on the ball during a regional competition which saw him selected for the NZ over-50s cricket team to play in South Africa in 2020. Photo / John Stone

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Video: Bert Horner achieves lifelong cricket dream

6 Nov, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

Bert Horner, 52, will be fulfilling his childhood dream of playing for NZ in March.

Kotahitanga's Maia Allan speeds around her defender and heads towards the tryline at the Year 7-8 mixed rugby league competition at the Otaika Sports Park on Tuesday. Photo / Tania Whyte

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Nines players compete in the heat

6 Nov, 2019 10:00am
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The kids would have needed a lot of water on what was a stunning day in Northland.

Skeet shooter Richard Westlake (right) and squash player Annmarie Holst picked up the main awards on Saturday night at the Kaipara Sports Awards at the Maungaturoto Country Club. Photo / Josh McKenty

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Shooting star takes out top honours

4 Nov, 2019 10:00am
4 minutes to read

Westlake and Holst were the stars of the show, taking home two major awards apiece.

Shanelle Rae looks to her next jump as Fifty Shades Of Grey leaps high at the Northland Horse Trials at a glorious Barge Park on Saturday. Photo / Tania Whyte

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Riders converge on horse trials

4 Nov, 2019 10:00am
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Barge Park was almost at capacity over the weekend as riders from all over competed.

Despite the best efforts of Onerahi batsman Cole Jakicevich-Roberts (left), Maungakaramea were too good in their chase. Maungakaramea keeper Bert Horner is pictured at right. Photo / Tania Whyte

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Cricket: Batting class upstages Onerahi

4 Nov, 2019 6:30am
4 minutes to read

With the eight-wicket win, Maungakaramea move to second on the Lion Red Cup table.

If you hear the faint rumble of a motorbike engine over the weekend in Pakotai, odds are it's 18-year-old Josh Alexander continuing his enduro training after a stellar year. Photo / JW Photography

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Alexander relishes stand-out year in enduro

3 Nov, 2019 7:00am
5 minutes to read

Could we be seeing an enduro star in the making in Pakotai's Josh Alexander?

Huanui College's Luca Smith moves quickly to his right to hit the shuttle at the Northland Year 9-10 teams competition at the Northland Badminton Centre on Thursday. Photo / Tania Whyte

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WBHS and KHS take out team badminton titles

2 Nov, 2019 12:00pm
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Kamo High School's boys' and girls' teams showed their skills, coming second and first.

While the pain is real for the players and the fans, it doesn't have to be any more than a momentary sulk for those who weren't on the field. Photo / File

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NZ's response to RWC loss shows we can be better

2 Nov, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

If we can be civilised as we were this week, perhaps it can help a more serious problem.

Te Waipuia Hill-Te Hira from Tikipunga High School (left) moves quickly to defend Huanui College's Isla Purvis on Wednesday at ASB Stadium. Photo / John Stone

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Fast Five netball promoting fun and festivity

1 Nov, 2019 10:00am
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Learning was the key objective as 24 teams took to ASB Stadium for some Fast Five netball.

Northland's Cameron Leslie, 29, certainly has reason to have a rest after one of the most successful 18 days of his life. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Cameron Leslie's life-changing 18 days

31 Oct, 2019 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Leslie, 29, had to leave his five-week old baby behind to chase his dreams.

Brent Eastwood, the chief executive, isn't afraid to practise what he preaches, bequeathing $25,000 to the Kauri Sport Fund. Photo / Tania Whyte

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CEO pledges $25,000 to Kauri Club Fund

30 Oct, 2019 11:00am
4 minutes to read

The $25,000 contribution was projected to grow to $43,971 in 30 years.

Northland's Indi-Lee Ruddell did well to take out the under-18 girls' division on her tenth birthday at the 2019 Aotearoa Māori Surfing Titles on Sunday. Credit: Photo / Col - Surf2Surf.com

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Surfing: Ruddell's win a perfect birthday present

30 Oct, 2019 10:00am
2 minutes to read

What more could you ask for on your 10th birthday than a maiden national title?

Junior rider Brooke Hawthorne keeps her eyes forward atop Deimos as the pair fly over a jump on Saturday. Photo / John Stone

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Showjumping Grand Prix sees huge numbers

29 Oct, 2019 10:00am
7 minutes to read

Over 100 more horses than last year packed out a glorious looking Barge Park last weekend.

Maungakaramea's South African import Mark Andrianatos scrambles across the wicket to field the ball off his own bowling on Saturday at the Maungakaramea Domain. Photo / John Stone

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Maungakaramea success in last-ball drama

28 Oct, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

This weekend was full of incredibly tight games, a theme of this season's early rounds.

Beau Geste took out the 2019 Coastal Classic in style, putting in a record-breaking effort to finish the Auckland to Russell sail in five hours and 37 seconds. Photo / Stephen Western

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Video: Record tumbles at Coastal Classic

28 Oct, 2019 5:00am
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Predictions before the race of fast conditions certainly came true for over 150 crews.

Kerikeri's Marvin Mauricio has become the talk of the town after he came back a bronze medalist from the World Sepak Takraw Championships in Thailand in August. Photo / Peter de Graaf

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Mauricio dreaming of NZ sepak takraw empire

27 Oct, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Ever heard of sepak takraw? Learn about the Northlander winning on the world stage.

With young Northland athletes stuck in the middle of deadly riots in Chile, it provides a stark reminder to those who say athletes have to leave their region or country to see success. Photo / AP

PREMIUM

Chile riots a reality check for NZ athletes

26 Oct, 2019 11:00am
4 minutes to read

Life can be unimaginably different for young sportspeople in other countries.

Riley-Jack Vette-Blomquist, one of Northland's top squash prospects, was given one of two top awards at the Northland secondary school sports awards last night. Photo / File

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Sport awards: Williams and Vette-Blomquist star

25 Oct, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The who's who of secondary school sport in Northland gathered at ASB Stadium last night.

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Q/A with NFF's Dave Alabaster

24 Oct, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

This feature is the first of many which will show the amazing work of our local coaches.

The determination and pride of Northland's men's rugby team, Scott Gregory seen here, gave them a win to round out 2019 but what can they do to achieve better in 2020? Photo / File

PREMIUM

Taniwha woes prompt youth commitment

23 Oct, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Building from local youth is the next step forward for the Taniwha.

Pukekohe's speeding spiderman Gavin Millen competes in the ATV class during Whangārei Speedway's opening meet for the 2019/20 race season on Saturday. Photo / Michael Cunningham

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Whangārei Speedway: Action-packed weekend opens season

22 Oct, 2019 11:00am
2 minutes to read

About 20 drivers took to the local track to open up the speedway season for 2019/20.

A worker cleans up a supermarket looted during protests. Photo / AP

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Video: Kiwis speak inside Chile riots

22 Oct, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Four Northlanders are stuck in the middle of deadly riots in Santiago, Chile.

Northland's women's rugby team, the Kauri, have earned an immense sense of pride after making the semifinals in their first season in the Farah Palmer Cup. Photo / File

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Farah Palmer Cup: Two boxes left to tick for Kauri

22 Oct, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The team have set their goals very high for the next few years in the competition.

The three Northlanders (from left) Craig Nordstrand, Kingiteahuahu Tana and D'Artagnan Gould are at the centre of deadly riots in Chile ahead of their karate competition on Wednesday. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Video: Kiwis caught in Chile riots

21 Oct, 2019 10:52am
2 minutes to read

A group of Northlanders are stuck in the middle of deadly riots over public transport.

Solomon Islands team member Calvin Erick (centre) looks to put his foot through the ball at the Whangārei ethnic football festival at the Tikipunga Sports Park on Saturday. Photo / Michael Cunningham

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Football festival brings culture and competition

21 Oct, 2019 10:00am
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The sun was shining on Tikipunga Sports Park on Saturday for a day of great scenes.

The Northern side, primarily made up of local high school students, completed their first premier win on Saturday to topple Westech Automotive Maungakaramea by one wicket. Photo / Supplied

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Peck heroics guides Northern to debut win

21 Oct, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

The game seemed all but lost for FMG Northern, then Brandon Peck came to the crease.

Northland second-five Kararaina Wira-Kohu made a number of blockbusting runs against a formidable Hawke's Bay defence. Photo / Ian Cooper

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Kauri fall after blockbuster start

20 Oct, 2019 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

Hopefully the team can stay together and challenge for the Premiership next year.

Northland karate prodigy D'Artagnan Gould, 15, will be hoping is run of good form does not leave him when he competes at the World Junior Karate Championships in Chile next week. Photo / John Stone

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Northland karate kids set to impress

20 Oct, 2019 7:00am
4 minutes to read

Might we be seeing another two medals added to the local karate club's tally.

Crowds at Semenoff Stadium fluctuated throughout the season, reaching as high as 6000 and dropping as low as 2600. Photo / File

PREMIUM

Stadium numbers speaks volumes

19 Oct, 2019 11:00am
6 minutes to read

Did Northland rugby fans continue to turn up for the Taniwha? Read the numbers here.

Whangārei Girls' High School player Sheree Mae has complete concentration on her serve at ASB Stadium on Thursday at the Year 7-9 Northland girls' indoor volleyball competition. Photo / John Stone

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Numbers booming in secondary schools volleyball

19 Oct, 2019 10:00am
2 minutes to read

Will volleyball become one of the strong sporting codes in Northland in the near future?

Northland gymnast Ryan Townsend is reaching new heights as the second local male gymnast to go on an international tour, seen here dismounting off high bar at nationals two weeks ago. Photo / Supplied

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Northland gymnast creates history

18 Oct, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Gymnast Ryan Townsend has entered a very special group after last week's announcement.

It's been a whirlwind time for Northland's Maddy Gordon who went from playing high school netball to representing the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse and New Zealand in 24 months. Photo / Photowellington

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Netball: Gordon's rollercoaster ride to the top

17 Oct, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

Maddy Gordon's netball career has gone from zero to 100 in the space of just two years.

The team from Active Attitude in Whangārei took home a swag of medals at the recent national gymnatics competition in Auckland. Photo / Supplied

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Gymnastics, croquet, golf and bowls results

16 Oct, 2019 2:00pm
5 minutes to read

Some great results for Northland's young gymnasts.

Not even the pouring rain could dampen 14-year-old Trenelle Woods-Eruera's spirits after she won the 'Umpire of the Tournament' award at the 2019 Collier Trophy on Saturday. Photo / John Stone

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Young hockey umpire receives top award

16 Oct, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

Could we see Trenelle Woods-Eruera umpiring a Black Sticks game in the near future?

Northland's top para athletes and their support crew had a whale of a time at the 2019 Halberg Games in Auckland from October 11-13. Photo / Photosport

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Northland's next para athletes on show

15 Oct, 2019 2:10pm
3 minutes to read

We could be seeing the next Cameron Leslie or Emma Foy in this group of Northlanders.

After a mixed RWC campaign with the Italian national side, Northland-born Dean Budd could make a return to the Taniwha, seen here between parents Mike (left), Jan and brother Lloyd. Photo / Supplied

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World Cup captain eyeing Mitre 10 Cup comeback

14 Oct, 2019 6:56pm
5 minutes to read

Could this World Cup captain be wearing Cambridge Blue in the coming years?

Inspirational Taniwha forward Jaycob Matiu is keeping his head high after a season-ending injury will see him watch from the sidelines tomorrow as the team takes on Otago. Photo / Michael Cunningham

PREMIUM

Video: Jaycob Matiu's injury roller coaster

14 Oct, 2019 4:00pm
6 minutes to read

Northland will dearly miss Jaycob Matiu's presence on the pitch against Otago today.

Northland winger Leilani Erwin (left) tussles with a Taranaki defender as the Kauri won the quarterfinal tie, 32-14. Photo / Tania Whyte

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TK shines in golden day for Northland

14 Oct, 2019 12:00pm
3 minutes to read

The Northland's women's team will play either Otago or Hawke's Bay in a semifinal.

Northern Cricket Club player/coach Harry Darkins plays an expansive shot in his side's first ever game in Northland's premier grade against Kamo on Saturday. Photo / John Stone

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Northern fall to Kamo in debut game

14 Oct, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

The new side, which featured a number of local high school students, showed some promise.

It hasn't been perfect but Spark Sport is becoming the only alternative worth paying for if you want to watch New Zealand's top sportspeople compete on the world stage. Photo / Supplied

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Adam Pearse: Spark Sport resistance is futile

12 Oct, 2019 11:00am
4 minutes to read

After many doors have been slammed and feet stomped, I have ended my tantrum and given in.

The Northland boys' and girls' squash teams did well to improve on their seeding at the Inter-District Teams Championships in Auckland this week. Photo / Supplied

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Vette-Blomquist leads Northland charge

11 Oct, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

The win is just the latest in a line of good results for Riley-Jack Vette-Blomquist.

Kerikeri High School student Tiree Robinson (front) saw some success at the national secondary school mountain bike championships over the weekend. Photo / Supplied

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Mountain bikers on the right track

10 Oct, 2019 11:30am
3 minutes to read

Will we see a Northlander win a gold medal when the competition comes north next year?

Tobias Marsh, 12, from Ahipara takes the ball up the court at ASB Stadium on Monday. Photo / Tania Whyte

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Māori basketball muster draws a crowd

9 Oct, 2019 12:00pm
2 minutes to read

About 150 players turned out for a great day of basketball fun at ASB Stadium.

Kamo opening batter and off-spinner David Armitt (left) was on form but couldn't get his team over the line against Maungakaramea on Saturday, the two sides seen here playing last year. Photo / File

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Maungakaramea import clinches tight win

8 Oct, 2019 10:00am
2 minutes to read

Maungakaramea escaped with a close win on Saturday by just two wickets.

Cameron Leslie's father Ross (left) hongies Māori sports awards co-host Kihi Ririnui after accepting the supreme award on behalf of his son. Photo / Rawhitiroa Photography

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Leslie wins big at Māori sports awards

8 Oct, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

The big names of Māori sport filled the Copthorne Hotel in Waitangi on Saturday night.

Northland senior women's fullback Amiria Te Iringa busts through a gap. Photo / Michael Cunningham

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Māori rugby talent on display

8 Oct, 2019 5:00am
Quick Read

Northland's Māori rugby talent, young and old, was on display for all to see on Saturday.

Northland's Henry Storey (left) was the difference on Saturday, scoring the only goal of the final against the Counties Manukau under-15 team in Whangārei. Photo / Michael Cunningham

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Hockey: Northland's under-15 national champions

7 Oct, 2019 10:00am
3 minutes to read

The home team scored their only goal through Henry Storey in the first half.