Prop Mark Braidwood and lock Guy Morris were prominent in the visiting pack. Second five-eighth Nathan Ramsay had memorable moments in the losing backline.
Havelock 46 MAC 19
Highlanders and Magpies loosie Gareth Evans ran riot for Havelock North in this Flaxmere Park victory.
Progressive Meats Havelock North coach Murdoch Paewai said Evans was the best player on the field during his 70 minutes of action. Lock Phil McRoberts was another to shine in the winning engine-room and winger Brendon Solomon, who like halfback Isaac Paewai scored two tries, was the best of the backs as the villagers produced a winning 50th appearance for loosie Liam Murphy.
"We were a lot better than in last weekend's loss to Taradale. Hopefully it's the turning point in our season," coach Paewai added.
MAC manager Narley Tuliau said numerous players were unavailable because of injuries. Assistant coach Vili Malaitai had to play halfback and fulback Tom Iosefo had to leave his brother's wedding to play for the below-strength hosts.
Lock Johnny Te Ngaio and No8 Api Sione, who made his 50th appearance for MAC, were tireless toilers for the hosts. Hooker Tere Joel and second five-eighth Vai Kereti also made Tuliau's MVP list.
Taradale 30 Hastings 26
Fullback Dan McIntyre grabbed a hat-trick as his Carters Frame and Truss Taradale side prevailed in a thriller at home.
It was the second consecutive week Taradale secured maximum points and manager Paul Atkins said they deserve their share of the points table lead with Napier Old Boys Marist. Captain Andrew Gardner, fellow loosie Jacob Baker and prop Joe Simeon provided plenty of grunt to the winning engine-room.
Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports coach Aaron Bartlett was pleased with the improvement his winless troops displayed. "We're still top four material, we just need some wins," he said.
His captain, flanker Ben Hamelink, performed admirably considering he had a broken toe.
Prop Jason Long, centre Star Timu, lock-loosie Ben Parsons and winger Sanaila Waqa were others to test the home team's defensive systems.
NOBM 33 Central 8
HBI Insurances Napier Old Boys Marist head coach Craig Gowler heaped kudos on Central after his team's win in Waipukurau.
"Once again the final score didn't do the Central lads justice. Those tough country boys tackled well," Gowler said.
Lock Tom Bywater and openside flanker Willy Benson, a former Olympic Games swimmer, led the visiting pack by example. Gutsy winger Eddie Stevens display belied his small physique.
Northfuels Central manager Ian Large agreed the score should have been closer but also pointed out the hosts didn't capitalise on their opportunities. Centre Tomo Fogarty, flankers Javan Napolotata and George McPherson, lock Ben Carpenter and second five-eighth Lee Stewart were Central's best.
Clive 20 Tamatea 3
Winless Tamatea did well to deny unbeaten Clive a bonus point for four tries in this Farndon Park encounter.
"We had several chances to get a fourth but Tamatea held us out," K9 Petfoods Clive coach Blair Cross recalled.
Centurion and loosehead prop Nathan Bruce, openside flanker Jesse Tuhua and lock-loosie Josh Eden-Whaitiri were full of authority in the winning pack.
Tamatea coach Adam McDonald was proud of the way his troops battled without their two regular locks.
"We made a lot of mistakes and got hammered with penalties. I think we won the yellow card count 3-0," McDonald said.
Prop Tane Cooper and the midfield combo of second five-eighth Henare Harris and centre Jordan Harmer were the pick of the Tamatea players.
