Northland League: Battle of offence and defence

Takahiwai's Jamie Hurring hoists a towering bomb. Takahiwai have shown to be tough to score against as they constantly bombard their opponents with plays like this. Photo/Tania Whyte

When Takahiwai Warriors and Moerewa Tigers take the field in the latest round of RLN Premiership action, it will pit the best attack against the top defence.

Moerewa have been nothing short of an attacking juggernaut, averaging 62 points a game in 2017.

This shows on the top try scorer and point scorer lists. Led by Jaydenn Bentley-Hape in both categories, Moerewa dominate the list.

Bentley-Hape has 21 tries in the season, followed by teammates Te Tuhi Tipene (20) and Eli George (16). Wilson Hona (11) and Brodee Palmer (10) are also firmly in the top 10 try merchants.

Bentley-Hape is also far and away the top scorer in the Premiership, amassing 172 points in just nine appearances.

Three others from Moerewa are in the top five for points, mainly through their try scoring exploits.

However, they now face off with the miserly defence that Takahiwai offer.

They've let in just 104 points all year in their quest to retain their 2016 title.

The experience of the Takahiwai forward pack has elevated the hard-hitting defence they employ, making life very difficult for their opponents.

And it's not like they've struggled at the other end.

Takahiwai have one of the more effective attacks in the Premiership, ranking second overall in points scored.

This has been led by second rower Nic Poutuma with the boot, with half Kyle Hool and centre Ross McFarlane on the try scorers sheet.

Meanwhile Hikurangi Stags will hope to continue their form and heap more misery on the determined Hora Hora Broncos.

Hikurangi picked up a convincing 38-26 win over Northern Wairoa Bulls but will be hoping to pack a bit more of a punch in the second half, where they were outscored 22-12.

Hora Hora will want to add a win to their tough season and hopefully move off the foot of the ladder.

The last match pits Portland Panthers against Northern Wairoa.

Northern Wairoa showed they could score points at Hikurangi but will be aiming for a better performance defensively, especially early on and on their left edge.

Portland on the other hand are coming in fresh off the bye and will want to rectify their last loss at the hands of Hikurangi.

Otangarei Knights have the bye this week.

RLN Premiership
Team, played, won, drew, lost, byes, for, against, PD, points
Takahiwai, 9, 8, 0, 1, 2, 416, 104, +312, 20
Otangarei, 10, 9, 0, 1, 1, 350, 194, +156, 20
Moerewa, 10, 8, 0, 2, 1, 622, 148, +474, 18
Hikurangi, 9, 4, 1, 4, 2, 236, 348, -112, 13
Portland, 9, 2, 1, 6, 2, 184, 268, -84, 9
Northern Wairoa, 10, 1, 0, 9, 1, 190, 502, -312, 4
Hora Hora, 9, 0, 0, 9, 2, 88, 522, -434, 4

Fixtures
Round 12 - July 1
Games kick off at 2.30pm

Hora Hora v Hikurangi - Bluegoose 1
Moerewa v Takahiwai - Lindvart Park
Portland v Northern Wairoa - Portland Panthers RLC
Otangarei - bye