Bay of Islands kept their Harding Shield campaign alive after beating Mangonui by 28 points ahead of this weekend's final showdown in Kaitaia.
The Bay needed a bonus-point win in this game to avoid handing the shield back to Whangarei with Bay spokesman Shaun Haynes - who co-coaches the sidewith AJ Johnson - applauding his side as they stepped up to ensure this year's challenge will go right down to the wire.
In last Wednesday's match, played under lights in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands won 45-17 thanks largely to standout performances from Reece Te Nana, playing No6 in the first half and second-five in the second, and brother Kadin who scored two tries as well as playing halfback in the first spell and wing in the second.
Other notable performers were Hora Hora centre Warren Dunn and captain Justin Davies, given 40 and 50 minutes respectively. Jack Ram, young Okaihau first-five Thomas Smith, who was on target with the boot, No8 Owen Pihema, Buster Tahere and Okaihau's Ray Posthumus, who scored a try, also impressed.
Haynes also acknowledged former union president Brent Hewitt for being a real stalwart behind the scenes, including cooking a feed for the boys at the side's trainings.
Mangonui coach Mike Jurlina said it had been a good game but admitted the Bay remained a cut above their neighbours.
"Make no mistake, our boys put in a gutsy effort," Jurlina said. "We scrambled right up until kick-off to get the numbers due to injuries and non-availability, and prop Rodney Shepherd did a great job as captain.
"The players are looking forward to our home game and we should be a lot stronger for that one."
Mangonui try scorers were Rupeni Caucaunibuca, playing second-five and scoring from a great individual effort, wing Jarrod Albert and hooker Hazeley Windleborn.
The third and final round of the 2013 Harding Shield tournament will be played as a double-header at Arnold Rae Park on Saturday.
Harding Shield results:
Round 1: Whangarei 45, Mangonui 19; Rodney Northern Wairoa 36, Bay of Islands 19. Round 2: Whangarei 68, Rodney Northern Wairoa 17; Bay of Islands 45, Mangonui 17.
