Rugby: Wellsford join mid-table congestion

The middle of the table battle continues in the Bayleys Premier competition. Photo/Getty Images

Wellsford added to the middle of the pack logjam in the Bayleys Premier competition after grabbing a convincing 41-12 win over Western Sharks.

The visitors pulled away in the second spell after the first half left the game firmly in the balance.

Stand-in coach Peter Firth said the Wellsford side was happy with their efforts.

"The team was very happy. We've taken another step forward up the ladder and we played the type of rugby we want to play," he said.

"It was a very tight first half but we picked up an early try in the second half that seemed to swing the momentum in our favour.

"We executed our game plan and played how we wanted to. Everybody stepped up and played one of their biggest matches of the year so far."

Wellsford's win has added to the already congested middle of the table with the Sharks, Wellsford, Hora Hora, Waipu and Wellsford all within touching distance of each other and a playoff spot.

Meanwhile, Old Boys Marist continued their undefeated record with a commanding victory over Otamatea.

With a few players out due to injury OBM were not at their strongest. However, they still played with a lot of ticker.

Fans came out in force to watch the game on Kensington Park.

The Hawks came out of the box strong, scoring the first try and looking to dominate the home side.

However, it turned out not to be their day with OBM piling on 61 unanswered points to run away victors 61-5.

Noah Cooper stood out and crossed for two tries. Northland representative Monty Lama had a top match while Peter Breen was top scorer of the day thanks to his ever-reliable boot.

Josh Anderson, who played near a full game for the reserves earlier in the day, was called in to play 65 minutes for the premier team after Sam Beazley went off in the first five minutes.

Mid Northern were made to work hard by a stout Kamo outfit, but they managed to get the spoils with a 22-20 victory.

The win firmed their spot in the top two while Kamo remain stuck in the chasing pack but still with a good chance of making the playoffs.

Waipu secured a much-needed boost to their season, grabbing a 27-17 win over Hora Hora.

Waipu were the more clinical side and continue their recent good form to leapfrog Hora Hora on the standings.

The result from the Hikurangi and Mid Western match was not received before print.

Results:

Premier:
Wellsford 41 Western Sharks 12
Waipu 27 Hora Hora 17
Mid Northern 22 Kamo 20
OBM 61 Otamatea 5
Hikurangi vs Mid Western - no score

Premier Reserve:
Western Sharks 26 Wellsford 12
Waipu 22 Hora Hora 22
Kamo 26 Mid Northern 17
OBM 46 Otamatea 5
Hikurangi vs. Mid Western - no score