LEAGUE - Will Lions roar when theygo into the Saints' den?

In a round of vital match-ups, the significant game of Whangarei and Districts Rugby League this weekend is probably the Kaikohe Lions' encounter at Ngawha Prison.
Not that many of us will get to see it, of course, unless you're unlucky enough to be doing a stretch at the corrections facility. But the game is looming as a pivotal encounter, with both teams in a three-way tie with Takahiwai for second place in the competition.
The match will be a big test for Kaikohe, who have a made clear a wish to beat Ngawha, Takahiwai and Portland in this round - the only teams who defeated them in the first round.
There is little doubt that Kaikohe have improved since they were beaten 26-12 by Ngawha eight weeks ago. With players returning from injury, including veteran halfback Rio Greening, to strengthen attacking options, they will field close to their best side tomorrow.
But what of Ngawha? The prison side have hardly had an ideal preparation for the vital match after sitting on the sidelines of the competition for four weeks.
The last game they played was on the last day of May, when they were upset 14-16 by the Northern Wairoa Bulls. They followed that up with a scheduled bye, before Takahiwai and Marist defaulted in the following weeks.
It won't be easy for the prison team to match Kaikohe's enthusiasm but Saints coach Joe Henare will have worked out a strategy to get them ready.
Other gems in the draw this week - that you may be able to watch this weekend - include the Takahiwai Warriors-Hikurangi Stags clash at Takahiwai.
Takahiwai will want to put last week's loss against Portland behind them and regain their winning ways, but Hikurangi are desperate for points and the match is likely to be a great spectacle.
Competition leaders Portland play a resurgent Bay Slayers at Ohaewai and, given the venue, can expect a strong showing by the local team, still on a high after a good win over Hikurangi.
Moerewa Tigers travel to Northern Wairoa to take on the Bulls, knowing that a loss will help their chances of playing in the semifinals. The Tigers are noted second-round specialists and, after this week, play five out of their six remaining games at their home in Simson Park, which should help their plans to regain their 2007 championship title.