Rugby: Kerikeri fall as Kamo, OBM remain unbeaten

Kerikeri fullback Levi Clark was a standout in a losing cause in their Bayleys Premier loss to Kamo. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Kerikeri coach Peter Nock isn't providing excuses after his charges fell to a rampant Kamo in the latest round of Bayleys Northland club rugby.

The Bay of Islands side fell 48-8 to the Premier leaders in an entertaining contest at Kamo Rugby Club.

Nock said the 2017 Championship winners realise making the step up isn't easy.

"We got used to winning every week last year but this season it's a lot tougher for the guys. Kamo have a very good side this year," he said.

"We were missing a few guys this week and it was a tough Saturday for us. There's no excuse for us though, we knew how hard it was going to be.

"The players are learning what it takes to play at this level and so are the coaching staff.

"We're learning every day so it's a good process."

Kamo raced out in the first half to a 36-3 lead as captain and halfback Mac Sykes steered his troops around the park with class.

Kerikeri managed to fight back in the second stanza to hold Kamo to just 12 points but it wasn't enough to secure competition points.

Nock said a pair of backs stood out for the visitors.

"Tom Smith and Levi Clark were just outstanding. We only lost by seven in the second half which showed we had a lot of fight in us," he said.

"Our boys dug deep but we probably showed them a bit too much respect in the first half.

"This again is part of our learnings at this level."

Meanwhile Old Boys Marist also continued their unbeaten start to the year as they headed down to Dargaville.

They comfortably accounted for Western Sharks 38-10 to keep pace with Kamo.

Hora Hora consolidated their top four spot with a strong 38-22 win over Hikurangi.

It's been a rough start to the season for Hikurangi, who are one of two sides (the other being the Western Sharks) that remain winless.

In somewhat of a surprise, Otamatea picked up a 31-24 win over Mid Northern.

Otamatea, who were on the verge of relegation last season, showed a lot of grit to beat last year's finalists.

The final match saw Waipu continue their winning ways with a 24-19 victory over Wellsford.

Next weekend's fixtures are fragmented due to the Easter holiday.

Two games will take place on Friday night (Otamatea v OBM and Hikurangi v Western Sharks) while the remaining three will be at the usual time on Saturday.

Bayleys Northland Club Rugby results

Premier:
Hora Hora 38-22 Hikurangi
Kamo 48-8 Kerikeri
Otamatea 31-24 Mid Northern
Waipu 24-19 Wellsford
Old Boys Marist 36-10 Western Sharks

Premier Reserve:
Hora Hora 34-15 Hikurangi
Kamo 52-5 Kerikeri
Mid Northern 27-12 Otamatea
Wellsford 54-17 Waipu
Old Boys Marist 34-20 Western Sharks

Championship South Zone:
Southern 81-0 Pipiwai
Tomarata 51-0 Mangakahia
Kaihu 36-14 Whangaruru
Dargaville vs. Mid Western - no result received

Championship North Zone:
Awanui 32-26 Kaitaia
Moerewa/United Kawakawa 50-7 Kaikohe
Eastern 99-7 Te Rarawa
Otiria 60-12 Kaeo
Ohaeawai/Okaihau 22-21 Panguru