League: Stags are champions elect

Hikurangi Stag's prop Aaron Noble has a run at the Hora Hora defensive line. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The Hikurangi Stags, a side who have been quiet achievers in the 2015 Rugby League Northland (RLN) Scott Electrical Premiership, have all but won the minor premiership with two weeks left to play in the competition.

After thrashing Horahora 64-10, the Stags now sit on 26 points and have put a five-point buffer between them and the second-placed Moerewa Tigers.

The Tigers hold on to second place after their loss to the Otangarei Knights but it would be fair to say they are in a form slump, with last week's draw the only points the Tigers have won in the last four weeks.

With the exception of Hikurangi securing first place, the top six placings will not be confirmed until the final whistle in two weekends' time.

A win for the Otangarei Knights over the Tigers sees them hold on to sixth place, keeping the Hokianga Pioneers out of the top six on points differential.

The Pioneers are hurting after their abandoned game last week against Portland, which resulted in the sides taking one point each.

In the RLN format, teams have 14 days to replay an abandoned game otherwise they face having to share the points.

The Pioneers were hungry to play the game, but the Panthers could not accommodate them due to some of their squad being shift workers.

Takahiwai have found form at the right end of the season after a 28-14 win over the Portland Panthers on Saturday, while the Panthers continue their hot and cold form.

Muriwhenua Falcons are the dark horses of the premiership after their 40-30 win over the Northern Wairoa Bulls.

Week one of the premiership play-offs is on August 2 at Toll Stadium and the top two teams will earn the week off, while third plays sixth and fourth plays fifth in the minor semifinals.

The major semifinals are on August 8 at Toll Stadium and will see first playing the winner between fourth and fifth, while second play the winner between third and sixth.

The grand final will then be played on August 16 at Toll Stadium.