Stags looking to bounce back

GROUNDED: Jacob Leaf of Waengapu Stallions dives over the line in the Gisborne Tairawhiti Rugby League match against Ngatapa Stags. The Stallions won this game 36-34. Tomorrow they take on the Falcons, while the Stags take on Paikea Whalers. Picture by Paul Rickard

Ngatapa Stags will look to bounce back from last week’s 36-34 loss to Waengapu Stallions when they play Paikea Whalers in Round 2 of the Gisborne Tairawhiti Rugby League (GTRL) competition.

The game between Stallions and Stirling Logging Ltd Ngatapa Stags was tight.

Two points separated the teams throughout most of the game before the Stallions came out on top.

The Stags’ Scotty McKinley scored a hat-trick and the Stallions’ Jacob Leaf and Marciu Nawaqua scored two tries apiece.

Turanga Panthers faced old rivals Paikea Whalers for the first time in years.

But it was not a happy reunion for the Panthers, as the Whalers clocked up a century, winning 100-4.

Among the Whalers tryscorers were TK Reihana, who scored three tries, and Matenga Taihuka, Te Kanawa Tapara and Keanu Wainohu-Kemp, who each scored two.

GTRL board member Ally Tamihere said that despite the scoreline, the Turanga Panthers were stronger than they were the previous week.

She said the club was looking to develop a few young players for next season.

The Panthers tryscorer was Lorenzo Nepe.

Seeka Falcons had the bye, but tomorrow they play the Stallions. The Whalers play the Stags, and Turanga Panthers have the bye.