RUGBY - Fans stoked by Taniwha win

The Northland Taniwha rugby team are on an unprecedented (for a few years, anyway) two-match winning streak - their best run since their 30-game losing streak ended with a one-off win in August last year.
The mighty Taniwha's 9-3 rain-soaked victory over Tasman in Thursday night's Air New Zealand Cup game has buoyed many long-suffering Northland fans who feel confident their team can make it all the way to the semifinals.
Die-hard Northland fan Nick Waihi is stoked with the team's success. He was on the terraces for Thursday night's game and got a drenching - "I was wearing six layers and two lots of wet-weather gear and I still got soaked to the bone" - but is thrilled with the boys' prospective quarterfinal spot.
"They'll make the quarterfinals, definitely. It's great - out of four games we've only lost one! That hasn't happened to Northland in the first division for a long time. It's almost weird in some ways."
Mr Waihi said he hopes the winning streak will encourage more people to head down to Homeworld Stadium at Okara Park to watch the games.
"The boys need support, and it's a lot of fun when there's heaps of people there. The next home game is on a Saturday at 5.30pm - if it's a nice day, bring your kids down. Come on everyone!"
The team play next Friday night against Southland in Invercargill. To judge the feeling about the so-far successful season, The Northern Advocate headed to Whangarei pub The Jovial Judge to find out what some of the punters thought of Northland's resurgence.
• Ace Williams, Ruakaka:
"I really think they're gonna do well. I was working so I didn't see the game, but the guys are playing well, and like any good horse they're coming into form at the right time. I think they'll make it to the semifinals - the final might be a different story, though." • Macca McGregor, Ruakaka:
"Watched a bit on TV but I'd been drinking all day so I don't remember. They've done good though. I saw the Bay of Plenty game. It'll be a good game against Southland - Southland have got a bit stronger over the last little while - must be old Tim Shadbolt pushing them."
• Kathy Wratt, Paparoa. Formerly of Nelson:
"We watched the game on TV, it was great. A true rugby game. It was really exciting - good on Northland for coming through, but I have to say it's a bit of a shame Tasman weren't able to win. Northland will make the finals, definitely."
• Gayle Reddy, Ruakaka:
"Yes, we watched it on TV. It was a great game. Pity it was so wet. I really feel it's hard for us in Northland 'cause we've got players coming from such a long way to go to training, and then back again to go to work. We don't have the money to import players but it's good because the team's all from here. Considering that, we're doing so well."