The Northern Swords 15s did their region proud when they secured the first win of the season, 22-20 over Wellington Orcas 15s, at Kaikohe's Lindvart Park.
It was the first Swords victory in any grade, delighting 15s coach Jim Larkin and all supporters.
Ahead 10-4 at the break, the youngestSwords representatives held on to narrowly pip their visitors who had arrived en masse to Whangarei Airport on Sunday morning before travelling north to Kaikohe, for the third round of the New Zealand Rugby League National Competition fixtures that afternoon.
Fullback Tumoana Halkyard, winger Hararei Te Whata, hooker Michael Larkin and Corey Selwyn all dotted down for the host side, while Tom Smith kicked three conversions. Wellington clawed their way back into the game in the second half, but the extra conversion made the difference.
Following the 15s positive start, the 17s kicked off next all fired up. Brodee Palmer put the Swords on the board in the first spell, but Wellington were too strong, and led 6-32 at the halfway mark.
Playing catch-up footy, the Swords did well to close the gap, with Tyson Paul and Marlin McMeekin-Currin adding tries, converted by skipper Corey Naera. But Wellington continued to take their opportunities and delivered, winning 18-58.
In the Premiers, the Swords started well, and were within striking distance of Wellington at halftime, trailing 12-18, thanks to tries from wing Innocent Tuimavave-Mau and centre Isaia Turuva.
Turuva backed up with a second try, with Shannon Neho and Ritchie Koroi adding to their total in the second spell. However, Wellington stepped up their intensity in the second half, outscoring the Swords, 20-42.
This Sunday, in round four of the National Competition, the Northern Swords 15s, 17s and Premiers take on Counties Manukau, who sat out round three with the bye, at Bruce Pulman Park at Papakura.
National Competition, Round 3
Premiers: Waicoa Bays 22 v South Island Scorpions 24; Auckland Pride 34 v Central Vipers 10; Northern Swords 20 v Wellington Orcas 42; Counties Manukau Stingrays, Bye.
17s: Waicoa Bays 14 v South Island Scorpions 14; Auckland Pride 48 v Central Vipers 4; Northern Swords 18 v Wellington Orcas 58; Counties Manukau Stingrays, Bye.
15s: Waicoa Bays 26 v South Island Scorpions 26; Auckland Pride 26 v Central Vipers 0; Northern Swords 22 v Wellington Orcas 20; Counties Manukau Stingrays, Bye.
