Rugby: Two draws highlight enthralling weekend

Mid Northern's Luke Edwards takes the ball in the lineout during his side's 27-all draw against Waipu. Photo / Tania Whyte

Two draws and two convincing victories were the highlights of an enthralling Easter Weekend of Bayleys Northland Club Rugby.

Last year's finalists, Old Boys Marist and Mid Northern, were both held to draws in their respective matches while Kamo and Hora Hora grabbed convincing wins as the top three sides started to pull away.

Waipu ventured out to Mid Northern in a repeat of their 2017 finals match up and the fans were treated to another tight game of rugby.

The boot of Waipu's Ben Mathers kept the visitors in touching distance as neither side could be separated at the final whistle, ending the game at 27-all.

Both sides sit on either side of the top four bubble with Mid Northern's bonus points giving them the edge at this early stage.

Meanwhile Old Boys Marist were almost upset by Otamatea away from home.

Otamatea have been in strong form over the past fortnight after their win over Mid Northern and looked like they could knock over OBM, who had won their first three matches.

While the match wasn't an attacking clinic, the defensive efforts were strong throughout and the 15-all result was a fair representation of the match.

Meanwhile Kamo have gone clear at the top of the table as the only side with four wins from four as they dismantled Wellsford 69-10.

Kamo continued their strong attacking form as they put on a spectacle for their home fans, denying Wellsford possession for much of the clash.

The result gives them a slight three point buffer at the top of the table while Wellsford remain entrenched in the lower half of the standings.

Hora Hora grabbed their third win of the season as they defeated Kerikeri 53-17.

Hora Hora were in complete control of the fixture from the outset as they continue to show their title credentials.

Kerikeri meanwhile slipped to their third straight defeat in their first season in the top flight.

The final match between Hikurangi and Western Sharks went down to the wire as the former held on for a 14-10 win.

When the Sharks strung together phases they looked dangerous, picking up a pair of tries.

However Hikurangi were resolute on defence and forced errors at crucial junctures to secure the result.

Bayleys Northland Club Rugby results

Premier:
Otamatea 15-15 Old Boys Marist
Hikurangi 14-10 Western Sharks
Hora Hora 53-17 Kerikeri
Kamo 69-10 Wellsford
Mid Northern 27-27 Waipu

Premier Reserve:
Otamatea 15-13 Old Boys Marist
Hikurangi 27-24 Western Sharks
Hora Hora 19-15 Kerikeri
Kamo 75-14 Wellsford
Mid Northern 34-10 Waipu

North Zone:
Ohaeawai/Okaihau 10-31 Kaikohe
Moerewa/United Kawakawa 40-29 Awanui
Otiria 32-59 Kaitaia
Te Rarawa beat Kaeo by default
Panguru 3-22 Eastern

South Zone:
Dargaville Old Boys 0-55 Southern
Mangakahia 13-36 Mid Western
Whangaruru 10-14 Tomarata
Pipiwai beat Kaihu Valley by default