League: Eels resurgence in form coincides with return of old boys

Josh Weedon is back running the plays for the Otumoeti Eels. Photo / File

The Imperial Trading Ltd Otumoetai Eels premiers got back on track in the combined BOP/Coastline premier grade competition with a morale-boosting 64-6 win over visitors Mangakino Hawks on Saturday.

It was a strong statement that they are back after a month that saw them lose four games in a row with the unlikely scenario that this could be their worst year since their foundation in 2005. A huge catalyst for the win was the return of former outstanding Eels players Josh Weeden and Mike Johnston after spending time off with other commitments.

Johnston was back to his usual self, constantly looking for work in attack and defence, and with Weeden's voice barking the orders, the Eels looked like the well-oiled machine of previous years in their impressive win.

With Connor Hohepa in his favoured position at fullback, it was obvious that this was going to be a hard day for the Hawks and although they took it to the Eels early on, the navy blue and golds ran in 11 tries to none with Hohepa converting 10.

In other premier matches, competition leaders Pacific Sharks overcame Pikiao Warriors 8-4 in a tough arm-wrestle at Puketawhero Park, Rotorua and Taupo crushed Ngongotaha Chiefs 62-16

Today at Mitchell Park, the third-placed Eels host fourth-placed Pikiao Warriors, Ngongotaha are at home to Pacific and Mangakino travel to Taupo

In Division 1, Kawerau's Putauaki Stags moved to joint top of the table with Forestland Falcons by taking their scalp 24-20 in a dour struggle at Tarawera Park, Papamoa Bulldogs got another much needed 26-24 win over Putaruru Dragons and Taupo's Tauhara got up to beat favoured Whakatane/Taneatua Warriors 34-24

This weekend, Putauaki host Tauhara, Papamoa are home to Whakatane/Taneatua at Gordon Spratt reserve, and Forestland are at home to Putaruru.

In the Under-17s Sunday competition, Food Guru's Otumoetai Eels repulsed a strong challenge by Pikiao Warriors to come out on top 56-34 in Rotorua to remain second on the ladder. Powerful games by hooker Mafi Fifita and prop Charlie Tuimaualuga, who scored three tries each, were instrumental in the win after the team were down to 12 players from injuries early in the second half.

In Whakatane, the Razorbacks really took it to competition leaders Pacific Sharks to go down fighting 18-34 in a spirited encounter.

Tomorrow sees the big top of the table clash in Tokoroa with Pacific hosting the Eels in both under-15 and under-17 grades, Putauaki are at Ngongotaha, Whakatane travel to Taupo and Central play Pikiao in Rotorua.

In the under-15 grade, Otumoetai managed to salvage a draw with Pikiao Warriors to stay second on the competition ladder with Kyle Jeffries-Smith playing outstanding to thwart the many Pikiao raids close to the line.

Papamoa Bulldogs took a much needed win over Central Lions with competition leaders Pacific enjoying a bye.