Patrick Tane was a constant threat as the northern right hand corner once again became the belle of the try scoring ball. B16 nabbed himself a double as Northern Wairoa closed the gap to as little as six points.
Israel Tahere was having a strong impact from fullback and was duly rewarded with a try for his efforts.
However Hikurangi had too much in the tank, securing the win with a sublime try from fullback Heke.
Meanwhile Otangarei Knights took the Harry Clyde Challenge Cup off Takahiwai Warriors after a 26-24 comeback victory.
Otangarei opened the scoring through Dominic Ormsby before Takahiwai grabbed three tries in five minutes, two going to Northern Sword representative Kyle Hool.
Nic Poutama iced each try and Takahiwai with a lead of 14 points went about their business to diligently deny the Knights good field position to launch a counter attack.
Ormsby completed his double on the half time hooter to bring his side back into the contest.
Otangarei started the second half as they did the first with a quick try to be backed up by hooker Dameon Herbert.
By now the Knights had outscored their hosts four tries to three but still trailed on the scoreboard at the three quarter point as the usually reliable boot of halfback Vern Wilson was off the mark.
Hool then scored his third for the day and Takahiwai's only try in the second half. Wilson landed a penalty conversion for Otangarei to trail by four points and set up a thrilling finish.
Otangarei winger Bryce Pauahi scored in an opportunistic effort, snatching a loose ball to clinch the game for his side.
Both teams share 20 competition points with Takahiwai sitting in first place by superior points differential.
Takahiwai travel north next week to face off with attacking merchants Moerewa, who put Hora Hora to the sword with a 92-0 drubbing whilst Otangarei enjoy the bye.
