League: Takahiwai keep up playoff hopes

Southern rugby league teams have turned the tables as they won four out of five matches against north-based sides in the crossover rounds of the Rugby League Northland Premiership.

After being taken down last weekend by Hokianga, Takahiwai bounced back to maintain their playoff chances with a 42-22 win over Otaua.

Takahiwai coach Shane Hool said his side hit the ground running as they opened the scoring through their right centre Sosaia Tali as he crossed after a slick backline move, which was then converted by Kyle Hool.

Not to be outdone, Takahiwai left centre Ross Macfarlane, who has returned to Takahiwai after two years away, crossed for the first of four tries.

"[After the two early tries though], Otaua rallied and were rewarded after some quick play of the balls with a converted try to Harley Thompson," Hool said.

However, not long later it was Macfarlane's turn again as he crossed for his second, before being quickly followed by another try to Takahiwai's Hori Tuhoro to take the halftime score to 22-6.

"Otaua came out strongly in the second half," Hool commented. "And, after some strong forward play, Nicholas Harding scored but Thompson was unable to convert."

But, again, Otaua's fightback was short lived as Nicholas Schuster went from dummy half to score an unconverted try out wide for Takahiwai.

Matiu Kaka scored next for Otaua, converted by Thompson, to get within 10 points before Macfarlane scored twice to put the game beyond them and end the Otaua resurgence.

Otaua's Daniel Havili managed a consolation try after a quick play the ball, which was converted by Thompson, before Wiremu Te Iringa scored under the posts for Takahiwai.

Hool said: "Aside from Macfarlane, players to stand out for Takahiwai were second rowers Mike Hauraki and Jordan Hool, and utility Manu Tuhoro. For Otaua, players to stand out were Te Wairongoa Tohu, Thompson and Owen Paraha."

Otaua's loss comes a week after upsetting the Portland Panthers 38-12. In other matches, Hikurangi beat Muriwhenua 52-30; City comfortably beat Kerikeri 40-26; Northern Wairoa came out on top of Hokiange 42-22; while Moerewa hammered Hora Hora 46-10.