Rugby league: Moerewa and Otangarei continue strong seasons

Ōtangarei Knights second rower Petero Blake on the charge. Photo / Tania Whyte

Moerewa Tigers and Ōtangarei Knights continued their tradition of winning RLN Premiership matches this season.

Both sides piled on the points in their respective matches, bringing up half-centuries as they dominated in attack.

Moerewa beat Hora Hora Broncos 58-4 while Ōtangarei eased past Portland Panthers 52-12.

Moerewa, like in seasons past, have shown an unmatched ability to bury their opposition through pure weight of scoring points.

In Peter Prime (seven tries), Aaryn Cherrington-Wikaire, Henry Wiki (both six) and Jarrod Hona (five), Moerewa have four of the most potent try-scorers in the competition.

Add to that the accurate boots of Wilson Hona and Henare Cherrington and most other teams have been unable to keep pace with them.

Hora Hora were no exception as they left their home ground with just one unconverted try to their name.

Meanwhile, Ōtangarei were equally impressive as they looked to keep their spot at the top of the ladder safe for another week.

The home side were desperate to bounce back after a late 24-22 defeat to Takahiwai last week and Portland became the unwilling victims.

Like Moerewa, Ōtangarei have impressive firepower with centre Dominic Ormsby leading the competition in both tries and overall points.

They've been the form team of the competition - minus the blip on the radar that was their Takahiwai defeat - and proved it was just that with the comfortable win over top-four side Portland.

Takahiwai meanwhile had the bye following the withdrawal of Northern Wairoa Bulls from the competition.