Rugby: Mid Northern head to top of reserve ladder

Mid Northern, Kamo and Waipu lead the way in the Bayleys Premier Reserve competition. Photo/Getty Images

Mid Northern have found themselves sitting on top of the Bayleys Premier Reserve table after beating Mid Western 26-0.

They picked up their sixth bonus point of the season as their four tries proved more than enough against Mid Western.

Despite not having the most wins in the competition, Mid Northern have been rewarded for their attacking prowess with top spot.

Kamo are equal with them on 22 points as they grabbed their fifth win of the season over Otamatea.

Kamo piled on seven tries to comfortably win 47-22, keeping their unbeaten run in the competition going.

Also unbeaten are Waipu, who ground out a 17-8 victory over Western Sharks.

Waipu are in the same boat as Kamo, whose lack of bonus points has stopped them from leading the pack despite not suffering a loss.

Hot on the top three's heels are Hikurangi and Old Boys Marist, who both picked up wins in the Easter round.

Both sides also collected valuable bonus points. Hikurangi managed a 29-5 win over Hora Hora while OBM ground out a 22-10 win over Wellsford.

After a scrappy first 40 minutes between OBM and Wellsford it was still anyone's game.

However, an early try in the second half to the visitors showed who was fitter and more determined to win the back and forth battle.

Hikurangi and OBM are battling out for the fourth spot on the ladder, which Hikurangi currently has.

Meanwhile, the Bayleys Championship is heating up as Awanui and Kerikeri A lead the way in the North Zone.

Kerikeri A comfortably beat Kaikohe 38-12 to remain top of the table, though Awanui's unbeaten run continued after they beat Panguru 32-0.

The result showed Awanui's title credentials as Panguru were unbeaten going into this round.

Ohaewai/Okaihau took out an instant classic, seeing off Eastern 32-31 to grab their third win of the season.

The other matches saw Kaitaia beat Te Rarawa 35-20 and Kerikeri B going down to Kaeo 29-19.

In the South Zone, Moerewa/United Kawakawa continued their dominance with a big 64-5 win over Otiria.

They will be keeping a close eye on Tomarata, who put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack with a 44-5 win over Mangakahia.

Whangaruru were unable to continue their good form on the field as Southern defaulted the match. Pipiwai were also defaulted to by the winless City.

Kaihu grabbed their second big win of the season in the final match, routing Ruawai 63-5.