Hora Hora's unbeaten run of 11 wins has come to an end with a 15-12 loss at the hands of Mid Western at Maungakaramea.
Having been in search of an unbeaten season, or at least a home semi, Hora Hora couldn't overcome the third-placed Bayleys Southern Districts Premier Competition team.
As a result, Hora Hora has been shunted off top spot by Wellsford, who denied Mid Northern a crucial bonus point with a 28-20 win on Saturday.
Previously the top three teams have sat slightly ahead of the trailing six teams, who all have a realistic chance of making the top four, but now Mid Western has closed that gap.
With the weekend boasting a double round for teams, Old Boys Marist threw another spanner in the works by knocking over Waipu 27-18 on Friday night to kick off the weekend.
Also playing on Friday night were Otamatea, who moved past the Western Sharks with a 42-29 win, keeping them in fourth place and giving them breathing room over the chasing teams.
Meanwhile, Kamo picked up their first win in seven games with a 27-19 win over Hikurangi.
The premier reserve grade playoff hunt is also spicing up, with Hora Hora being hammered 51-12 by Mid Western.
Mid Northern were pushed by Wellsford, who are in search of a home semifinal, as the table toppers won 20-16.
Kamo's reserve team came away with a 52-29 win over Hikurangi, while the Western Sharks continued their strong season with a 41-10 win over Otamatea on Friday night.
Also on Friday night, Old Boys Marist sent a warning with a 48-nil whipping of Waipu.
For updated standings see Thursday's Northern Advocate.
Results:
Southern Districts Premier Grade
Mid Western 15 Hora Hora 12 Wellsford 28 Mid Northern 20 Kamo 27 Hikurangi 19 Otamatea 42 Western Sharks 29 Old Boys Marist 27 Waipu 18
Southern Districts Premier Reserve Grade
Mid Western 51 Hora Hora 12 Mid Northern 20 Wellsford 16 Kamo 52 Hikurangi 29 Western Sharks 41 Otamatea 10 Old Boys Marist 48 Waipu 0
