League: Swords take heart from gallant defeat

Northern Swords' Te Tuhi Tipene breaks free from a tackle versus the Canterbury Bulls in the final round of the NZRL Premiership. Photo / Tania Whyte

The Northern Swords have handed the Canterbury Bulls a ticket to play Counties Manukau in the 2015 NZRL National Premiership final, after going down to the visiting side 56-20 at Toll Stadium.

The Canterbury Bulls met some determination from their Northern Swords hosts in Whangarei, conceding the opening try and then another three in the second half.

But the defending champions dominated, eventually running away with the game, with hooker Jordan Kane contributing a try double.

For the Swords, half Kyle Hool and winger Israel Tahere also had two tries apiece, and rising talent Tamati Leach was awarded Swords' player of the match for his efforts.

"We probably didn't start as strong as we could've," Northern Swords manager Edward Irving said.

Although the Bulls managed to pull well ahead by halftime, a strong second half by the Swords kept the margin much tighter than the last time the sides met.

With Saturday's scoreline a big improvement on the 106-14 drubbing the Swords took from Canterbury in last year's premiership, a focus on the team's three core pillars - ball retention, unity on the defensive front, and having each other's backs - had paid off well this year.

Irving said this first phase of the Swords' three-year development plan had produced some pleasing outcomes.

"This year wasn't about the scoreboard for us," he said.

"Certainly next year's priority will be more wins. We want to look at a couple of clubs which could be wins and focus on keeping the guys together."

Irving added that 2015's improvements could bode well for the Swords next year, with four or five exciting Northern Swords 17s players becoming eligible for premier grade.

Northern Swords 20 (Israel Tahere 2, Kyle Hool 2 tries; Anaru Thompson 2 goals) .

Canterbury Bulls 56 (Jordan Kane 2, Danny Latu, Matt Sauni, Penitito Ilalio, Jack Mundy, Izic Placid, Paradise Mann, Paul Sauni, Phil Nati, Jiordan Fidow-Kele tries; James Baxendale 5 & Placid goals). Halftime: 6-32.