Rugby: Kamo edge Old Boys Marist to get revenge for 2016 final defeat

Kamo remain undefeated along with Waipu in the Bayleys Premier Reserve competition. Photo/Getty Images

A long-range penalty from Kamo first five Tom Herman gave his side revenge over 2016 Premier Reserve winners Old Boys Marist.

Kamo clinched the match 22-19 after both sides fought tooth and nail for the points.
OBM quickly fell behind as Kamo raced out to an early lead, the visitors playing with toughness and top execution.

However, gutsy defence and efficient passing brought OBM right back into the game and gave them a shot of winning.

The game was tied at 19-all early in the second half as neither side could get ahead.

But the boot of Herman came to the fore as he lined up and slotted a penalty goal from halfway to give his side a lead they wouldn't surrender, continuing their unbeaten start to the 2017 season.

The other unbeaten side in the competition, Waipu, also maintained their winning start with a tense 13-9 win over Hikurangi.

Waipu were the better side on attack and it showed, being the only try scorers on the day.
Meanwhile Hora Hora, Mid Northern and Western Sharks also picked up wins.

Hora Hora outlasted Otamatea 16-13 to clinch the match by a single penalty goal, while the other two wins were far more convincing.

Western Sharks whitewashed Mid Western 77-0 in a top showing while Mid Northern also passed the 50-point barrier to defeat Wellsford 55-7.

Waipu and Kamo have separated themselves from the competition in the early stages, but the likes of Mid Northern and Western Sharks are nipping at their heels.

In the Bayleys Championship, high scores were again the order of the day.

Kaeo nabbed their first win of the year with a 69-12 win over Te Rarawa, while Eastern continued their unbeaten run with a 43-7 win over Panguru.

Ohaeawai/Okaihau suffered their first taste of defeat, falling 19-17 to Kaikohe, who remain undefeated.

Kerikeri A grabbed the last win as they beat Kaitaia 42-34.

In the South Zone, Moerewa/United Kawakawa are the only unbeaten side as they beat Pipiwai 42-5 while Otiria (60-6 over Ruawai), Kaihu (49-7 against Southern) and Mangakahia (37-5 vs. City) also registered wins.