League: Portland put Hora Hora to the sword

Portland, Takahiwai and Moerewa picked up wins in the RLN Premiership. Photo/Getty Images

Portland Panthers showed a ruthless streak as they piled on 50 points against the Hora Hora Broncos in the Rugby League Northland Premiership.

Portland were ruthless to stake their claim at the home ground of hosts Hora Hora on a dry fast pitch.

The match commenced at pace with end to end passing and wide running as both teams displayed skill to outclass each other's defensive patterns.

With neither team managing to cross the line in the first quarter Portland altered their plan and licenced their bigger forwards to challenge the edge of the Broncos ruck defence.

First attempt by bullocking prop Eltion Wihongi to score was ruled unsuccessful due to a losing the ball when dotting down in the twenty fourth minute.

It wasn't to matter as two minutes later Wihongi made good to notch up first points for the Panthers in the same style proving a handful to bring down. Fellow prop Joshua Poasa crossed next in similar fashion for the first of his two tries.

Hora Hora failed to adjust their defensive pattern quickly to stem the tide as further tries to Sharif Mangu and centre Zane Heke were complimented with four conversions by standoff Kass Wall to lead 28-0 at the break.

Portland scored twice more once played resumed with halfback John Wright and eventual man of the match Mauriki Pari scoring before the Broncos recorded a try through Ratahi Thompson ten minutes into the half before the visitors resumed charge to run out 50-6 winners.

Meanwhile top of the table Takahiwai Warriors travelled north to claim the scalp of Hikurangi Stags 48 -18 whilst second place Moerewa Tigers were upset at home after a raiding party by the Otangarei Knights who surprised the hosts with a 32 - 20 win.

The Tigers, after seemingly unstoppable in the earlier rounds have the bye next week to lick their wounds after suffering consecutive losses over the last two weeks.