Mid Northern thrive on simplicity

ALMOST THERE: Hooker Jordan Olsen eyes the line for Mid Northern.

BACK to basics - that's been the key to table-topping Mid Northern's season.

Mid Northern are looking to make it 11 wins in a row when they take on Otamatea in the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier rugby competition.

But rather than playing flashy rugby, a knack for doing the basics right week in, week out has put them in good stead heading into the latter stages of the regular season.

Coach Craig Edwards said the team had gelled well.

"We have a big forward pack and use the pick-and-go until the backline calls for the ball," he said.

"The pack has good links with our classy backs."

In doing the simple things right, they have won their last 10 games by an average of 35 points.

Mid Northern have not lost since they fell to Old Boys Marist back in round two. They avenged that loss two weeks ago when they beat OBM 31-20.

OBM are right on their heels, just three points behind on the table.

However, Edwards said the loss did not change anything in their approach to the game.

"We base ourselves on no flashy play and executing game plans," he said.

Mid Northern have played fast rugby this year, tiring out opposition packs with their big forwards and then spreading it wide to their backs.

Northland hooker Jordan Olsen will be one to watch, as well as fellow front-rower Chris Apoua.

Edwards named wings Waisea Lewabuka and Levi Clark as key members of the backline this week, as well as first-five Jimmy Horsford.

"He [Horsford] has been great for us, he steadies the backline really well," he said.

He said the main priority for Mid Northern is to execute their game plans this week.

Last time they played Otamatea, the side piled on 11 tries on their way to a 65-27 win.

Otamatea, currently sitting fifth on points differential, will be looking for a victory to put them into the top four.

Meanwhile, OBM will be out to avenge their round-four loss to Hora Hora in their home clash.

Providing Mid Northern lose, OBM could be at the top of the table come late Saturday afternoon.

In the other matches of this round Wellsford travel to bottom-placed Hikurangi, Mid Western are at home against Kamo and Farmlands Park will see a top-four battle between the Western Sharks and Waipu.