City Knights bounced back from a big loss to Otaua to beat Kaikohe 24-20 at Otangarei and finish the first round of the Whangarei and Districts Rugby League competition on a high note.
Coach Thomas Murray said the win meant they were maintaining their pre-season aim of staying in touchwith the leaders and if they continued to build, a spot in the playoffs remained a possibility.
"We've got a long way to go but we're reasonably placed and Saturday's win will lift the boys again - we know we still have a lot to learn but it's a great game and that's what it's all about," he said.
Saturday's game was close with the sides well matched.
"In the end we won it but it could have gone either way," Murray admitted.
The coach said it was a sign of the times that the Knights' strength could fluctuate wildly from week to week.
"It's been tough for us, and I guess for all the clubs, to field a consistent team in these tough economic times because people have to work on the weekend and others have to work out of the area so they can provide for their families."
Economic reality meant sport sometimes had to take a back seat. "You can't complain about players missing games because they are trying to feed their families, so we often have to go with the players who are available and that can make for a nervy couple of days for the coach, after Thursday's training, trying to get the right numbers."
To back up what Murray is saying all the home teams had wins in the shortened final round. Northern Wairoa Bulls were too strong for Marist, beating them 66-20. Bay Slayers defeated Muriwhenua Falcons 40-28, while second-placed Hokianga kept the heat on leaders Hikurangi with a 40-16 win over Hora Hora.
Murray's love of the game has seen the Takahiwai and Northland legend commit to coaching at the Otangarei-based Knights.
"Any sport that you can get people involved in from all ages is a good thing for the community. I've been involved in the game for 45 years and it's been good to me, so I'm trying to give something back.
"We've got some great talent here in the North and that's exciting. In all the games we've played - win or lose - there's been some tremendous talent up against us and that's encouraging for us and also for Northland rugby league this year."
