Wrestling: Pair keep firm grip on titles

Tainui, 12, (left) and Arapo Kellner, 14, with their championship medals after a successful New Zealand Olympic Wrestling North Island championships.

Two Northland youths have clinched back-to-back titles at the New Zealand Olympic Wrestling North Island championships.

Kaitaia brothers Arapo (14) and Tainui Kellner (12) recaptured their titles at the event in Te Awamutu.

Arapo won two titles; the cadets 14-16 age 58kg group and the 17-18 age 55kg group in convincing fashion.

Only dropping one match, Arapo displayed great ability on the mat.

This sets him up well for his upcoming trip with team NZ to the Gold Coast for international competition.

Tainui's first big tournament of the year went off without a hitch as he went through four matches undefeated.

He had been focusing on rugby before the competition, but came out on fire at the meet.

Tainui demonstrated his skills as he took out the under-13 53kg division, his second North Island championship.

The New Zealand Olympic Wrestling North Island Championships showcased the best olympic wrestlers from Kaitaia to Wellington.

The event took place over two days.