A concerted effort from the Northern Swords Premiers saw them contend with the one of the major forces in New Zealand rugby league, Counties Manukau Stingrays, in round four of the national competition.
The Northern Swords trailed by just one try for 65 minutes of the game, but injuries to second rower Tiemi Henare-Reinsfield (concussion) and props Steve Rau (shoulder) and Verne Wilson (hamstring) took a toll.
"We were down to a one-man bench with 20 minutes to go. Counties size also started to take its toll on us, and they started to get a roll on from their ruck, and they just got away from us," coach Joe Rau said following Sunday's game at Bruce Pulman Park in Papakura.
The Swords had Counties, who had two Warriors reserve players - Darin Kingi and Willie Heta - playing for them, under pressure initially, with Henare-Reinsfield making a menace of himself around the park, making several linebreaks. Trailing 18-14 at halftime, it was anyone's game. However, the visitors lost some punch when Reinsfield was injured by a dangerous tackle 15 minutes into the second half, but Jack Walker and Isaia Turuva stepped up the intensity in the centres.
Happy with the improvement his side had made in the past few weeks, the Swords coach said he felt his side had a win in them.
This Sunday, the Swords play Upper Central at Simpson Park in Moerewa, and the team would be focused on continuing their improvement against a side, who Rau believed could be beaten.
Steven Rae, Henare-Reinsfield and Wilson will undergo medical assessment this week, as to whether they will be available to play or not.
Meanwhile, the 17s and 15s both played tough Counties Manukau contingents.
The 15s could not back up their first win last weekend, against Wellington but battled their match until the end.
Trailing 16-6 at the halfway mark, the Swords came back at Counties in the second spell, and just about pipped them. But Counties ran in one more try, keeping them in front to win 22-16.
Tumoana Halkyard scored a try, while David Wikaira ran in two, with Tom Smith kicking two goals.
Counties 17s were too strong for their Northern zone counterparts, defeating them 72-8, however Kahi Harawira and Leslie Howe did well to score against the dominant side.
National Competition, Round Four
Premiers: Counties Manukau Stingrays 48 Northern Swords 24; Wellington Orcas 20 Auckland Pride 32; Central Vipers 32 Waicoa Bays 28; South Island Scorpions, bye.
17s: Counties Manukau Stingrays 72 Northern Swords 8; Wellington Orcas 22 Auckland Pride 38; Central Vipers 20 Waicoa Bays 20; South Island Scorpions, bye.
15s: Counties Manukau Stingrays 22 Northern Swords 16; Wellington Orcas 10 Auckland Pride 38; Central Vipers 48 Waicoa Bays 20; South Island Scorpions, bye.