Rugby: Western Sharks almost claim upset

Round eight of the Bayleys Premier competition threw up some exciting matches for the crowds. Photo/Getty Images

Despite suffering a loss in the latest round of the Bayleys Premier competition, Western Sharks continue to show they have designs on being a major player come the playoffs.

Western Sharks were pipped 26-19 by the unbeaten Old Boys Marist, but proved they aren't far away.

The Sharks' forward pack dominated for the majority of the game but eventually the allround strength of the OBM side enabled them to earn their eighth victory of the season.

The game lacked cohesion and myriad mistakes and subsequent penalty count reduced the game to a stop-start affair.

Both sides crossed the line three times but it was the boot of Noah Cooper that was the difference.

In the other top-four clash, Mid Northern grabbed their seventh consecutive win but were pushed right to the end before defeating Hora Hora 22-17.

Hora Hora were on a rich run of form but were unable to take down the 2016 finalists in a tight encounter.

At Kamo Recreation Ground, a late surge from the home side was enough to pick up a 27-18 win over Waipu.

Both sides traded penalties and tries throughout the contest but Kamo were ultimately the more clinical side, pulling away in the latter stages for an important win.

Given that results went their way, Kamo are primed to make a push for a finals spot.

One of those results came via a strong Otamatea performance. They took down Hikurangi 34-12 in their best display of the year.

Hikurangi struggled from the outset and Otamatea pounced on their chances.

In the final match of the round, Mid Western once again failed to pick up a competition point as they fell to Wellsford 45-16.

Wellsford bounced back from a four game slide to produce a top attacking performance against their bottom-of-the-table opponents.

Results: Bayleys Premier:
Hikurangi 12 Otamatea 34
Mid Northern 22 Hora Hora 17
Kamo 27 Waipu 18
Wellsford 45 Mid Western 16
0ld Boys Marist 26 Western Sharks 19

Bayleys Premier Reserve:
Otamatea 29 Hikurangi 25
Mid Northern 43 Hora Hora 37
Kamo 36 Waipu 14
Wellsford 41 Mid Western 0
Old Boys Marist 79 Western Sharks 7
Hikurangi 25 Otamatea 29

Championship North Zone:
Kerikeri A 52 Kerikeri B 19
Awanui 46 Eastern 22
Kaikohe 36 Kaeo 26
Te Rarawa 48 Panguru 24
Ohaeawai/Okaihau 33 Kaitaia 22

Championship South Zone:
Kaihu 74 Mangakahia 0
Pipiwai 51 Otiria 20
Moerewa/UK 62 Southern 5
Tomarata beat Ruawai by default
Whangaruru beat City by default