Horahora Broncos' Desmond Reynolds on the charge against Takahiwai Warriors last weekend. His side lost 42-24. Photo / Tania Whyte
Horahora Broncos' Desmond Reynolds on the charge against Takahiwai Warriors last weekend. His side lost 42-24. Photo / Tania Whyte
Takahiwai Warriors expected a repeat of their earlier 90-0 win over Horahora Broncos on Saturday but were surprised with the latter's significantly improved form.
The boys from south of Whangarei had to work for their 42-24 win at Horahora and with just a solitary loss against the Moerewa Tigers sofar, co-coach Mark Freeman is calling for more improvements.
"We beat them by 90 points in an earlier round so we're a little bit disappointed. But they improved a hell of a lot since. It was a gutsy game and they kept coming at us the whole day," he said.
A couple of times the hosts put the visitors on the ropes and Freeman said the score was no indication how tight the game was. He singled out loose forward Nick Shoe, halfback Jo Freeman, and front rower Mike Hauraki as the stand-out performers.
In other results, Moerewa Tigers continued their winning form, beating Northern Wairoa Bulls 46-16 at Memorial Park in Dargaville, while Portland Panthers edged out Hokianga Pioneers at home 38-34.
All teams have a bye this weekend for the Town-Country Challenge clash at Otaika Park on Saturday. The City team includes players from Takahiwai, Horahora, and Portland while the other team has representatives from Hokianga, Moerewa and Northern Wairoa.
It is a trial for the Northern Swords, to be named in August.
The Swords will compete with Bay of Plenty, Coastlines, and Waikato in August.
