Moerewa and Takahiwai battle ends all square

Takahiwai's Ross McFarlane.

The Moerewa Tigers and the Takahiwai Warriors battled to an 18-all draw thanks to a last minute try to Ross McFarlane in their RLN Premiership match.

In wet and windy conditions, McFarlane was the one to finish off a desperate attack on the Tigers line - and level the scores right before the final hooter.

However, the conversion attempt from wide out wasn't successful, leaving the sides sharing competition points.

The Tigers had fought back from 10-4 down at halftime to be ahead 18-14 heading into the last quarter.

McFarlane's last minute try was his second during Saturday's match, having crossed in the first half also.

Takahiwai's Facebook page said player of the day awards went to McFarlane for his last minute heroics, Kyle Hool for his direction and clever kicking game, and Charles Tarau.

Their Facebook page also said in what was a tight tussle, and a real see-saw battle, sharing the points was a fair outcome from Takahiwai's perspective - especially after the Tigers had dispatched the Hora Hora Broncos 92-nil last week.

The draw for Takahiwai comes after they lost agonisingly 26-24 last week to the Otangarei Knights - with the Knights claiming the Harry Clyde Challenge Cup in the process.

In other RLN Premiership matches on Saturday, the Hikurangi Stags produced a stronger second half to put away the Hora Hora Broncos 24-10 - after having lead 10-4 at half time. However, in the end Hikurangi proved too strong for the Broncos.

Meanwhile the Northern Wairoa Bulls bounced back from their loss last week to Hikurangi, this week beating the Portland Panthers 28-26.

RLN Premiership results

Hikurangi Stags 24 Hora Hora Broncos 10, Northern Wairoa Bulls 28 Portland Panthers 26, Takahiwai Warriors 18 Moerewa Tigers 18.