LEAGUE: Orcas thrive in wet

The Wellington Orcas added another string to their bow yesterday by making the most of the shocking conditions they struck at Takahiwai in their Bartercard Cup match against the Northern Storm.
The rain was so heavy at times it was hard to see the players on the park.
Against a strong wind in the first half Wellington played a safer, less flashy brand of rugby league that laid the groundwork for a 28-4 victory.
Wellington scored four tries to one in the first spell to lead 20-4 at the break. They were more disciplined, gave away fewer penalties and took advantage of the chances that came their way.
It was a classy effort by the vistiors against a good Storm side that was strengthened during the week by Hikurangi's Joe and Steve Rau, as well as Hamish Reid and Jackson Katene.
The Storm struggled to find any continuity with the ball against some determined defence from the visitors.
"We had a fairly different side out there this week, I think it was a stronger side but the combinations perhaps weren't there for us today, there were a lot of knock-ons and we didn't get to the end of our sets and they took advantage of our mistakes," Storm coach Phil Marsh said.
"They played to the conditions a little bit better than us but all credit to my guys, they never lost heart and gave it everything until the 80th minute."
Marsh said Wellington were turning into a very good side and could have a chance at the title, if they made the playoffs.
The only blot on the Orcas' game was when two of their players were sin-binned in the second half. It was an indication of the side's youth, as they reacted rashly against a more experienced Storm side, who were venting their frustrations with some big tackles.
The Storm tried hard to take advantage of their numerical superiority to get back into the match in the second spell but although they often enjoyed territorial advantage, the Orcas were too tough to beat on their line.
The Storm continue their roadshow around the district next week with a match at Moerewa against Counties-Manukau.
The previous day at the same venue, Takahiwai and Kaikohe put on a great exhibition of rugby league, with the hosts finally running out 44-24 winners. They dominated the early running to lead 24-2 at the break. Kaikohe edged back into the match in the second spell to narrow the gap to 14 points but the effort cost them too much and Takahiwai eased away in the final quarter.
In the other matches in the Whangarei and District Rugby League, Moerewa thrashed Portland 62-4 with Kere George getting a hat-trick while Marist edged out Northern Wairoa 24-16, to keep their playoff hopes alive.