Hora Hora's Jacob Matiu was instrumental in the forward pack as he helped his side beat Otamatea 35-13 in the Bayleys Premier competition. Photo/Tania Whyte
Hora Hora's Jacob Matiu was instrumental in the forward pack as he helped his side beat Otamatea 35-13 in the Bayleys Premier competition. Photo/Tania Whyte
Hora Hora's decisive second half performance lifted them to a 35-13 win over Otamatea in the Bayleys Premier competition.
Both sides looked tentative to begin the match as knock-ons and penalties plagued the early stages.
Otamatea were first on the board through a try to halfback Wheriko Tawhiri after atextbook dummy from a ruck.
But ill-discipline cost Otamatea the lead and a player after a head-high tackle.
Three more back-to-back penalties saw Hora Hora set up camp in Otamatea's 22, eventually levelling the scores through halfback Robbie Murray.
The battle between Northland midfielders Jordan Hyland and Warren Dunn was worth the price of admission as they both went back and forth with strong runs and defence.
Hora Hora picked up an intercept try through impressive winger Dougie Te Puni right on halftime to give themselves a 12-7 lead.
Otamatea first five Daniel Hawkins gave his side the lead early in the second spell with a pair of penalty goals before Hora Hora ran away with the match.
Four second-half tries sealed the match as Dunn and Dougie Te Puni added five-pointers.
Otamatea halfback Wheriko Tawhiri sends the ball wide as Lance Nepia keeps watch. Photo/Tania Whyte
Hora Hora showed how clinical they could be late in the match as they capitalised on Otamatea's errors, sentencing them to their fourth straight defeat this season.
Hora Hora coach Doug Te Puni said his side put on a great performance.
"We're very happy with the effort. We blew out the rucks with passion and really just showed more passion and commitment to winning the game which is what we have been working on this season," he said.
"One of our club's staunchest supporters, Trevor Kelly, is very ill and we wanted to put in a huge effort and win one for him.
"I don't really like singling guys out but new first five Taz Taurima controlled things well, Warren Dunn's experience helped a lot in the backline and Jake Parangatai played well with Jacob Matiu and Troy Keogh in the pack."
Meanwhile, Old Boys Marist and Hikurangi ended the round as the only undefeated sides left in the competition.
OBM trounced Kamo 53-8 while Hikurangi gave Waipu their first taste of defeat this season with a 17-16 win.
Eight tries from the home side left Kamo reeling as they suffered their fourth loss in the season.
Kamo's chances were seriously diminished when loose forward Jordan Otene was sent from the field half way through the second half for his second yellow card infringement.
Kamo did however score a try of their own but it wasn't enough to stop the defending champions.
The other games saw Mid Northern grab their third win with a 29-24 effort over Wellsford, while Western Sharks comfortably beat Mid Western 40-5.
Results:Premier: Hikurangi 17 Waipu 16 Hora Hora 35 Otamatea 13 Mid Northern 29 Wellsford 24 OBM 53 Kamo 8 Western Sharks 40 Mid Western 5
Premier Reserve: Waipu 13 Hikurangi 9 Hora Hora 16 Otamatea 13 Mid Northern 55 Wellsford 7 Kamo 22 OBM 19 Western Sharks 77 Mid Western 0
North Zone Championship: Awanui beat Kerikeri B by default Eastern 43 Panguru 7Kaeo 69 Te Rarawa 12 Kaikohe 19 Ohaeawai/Okaihau 17 Kerikeri A 42 Kaitaia 34
South Zone Championship Otiria 60 Ruawai 6 Moerewa/UK 42 Pipiwai 5 Kaihu 49 Southern 7 Mangakahia 37 City 5
