Hokianga Pioneers 40 Northern Wairoa Bulls 20 (ht 24-4): Hokianga came roaring out of the gates to establish their domination over the Bulls in the first of the two RLN MultiKai Cooker Premiership minor semi-finals at Toll Stadium on Sunday. With the win, the Pioneers progress to meet Hikurangi Stags in the major semi-finals this coming Saturday.
Hokianga spokesman Rob Marsh said the Pioneers finally took their foot off the Bulls' throats once the result was secured with the score at 40-4, made some changes and rested various key players, which allowed the Bulls to come back in the last quarter and restore some respectability to the final scoreline.
Hokianga tries by Wiremu Te Rangi 3, Te Wairongoa Tohu 2, Richard Koroi, Ben Leaaetala and Fetu Matenga. However, the day's MVP was reserved for captain Richard Koroi, who delivered a commanding performance and had a hand in all eight tries.
"The last pass or making the break. Unbelievable! Everything he did turned to gold," said Marsh before adding laughing, "except for the first pass thrown at him which he dropped!" Marsh's comments on Koroi's finals form were echoed in the press release from Toni Haldane on behalf of Rugby League Northland.
"Cometh the hour cometh the man, and come the 15th minute Hokianga Pioneers standoff Richard Koroi sprang into action. The Bulls defence line could only stand and watch as Koroi, time after time, took on their line, creating tries in the 15th, 22nd, 25th and 36th minute ... Koroi again instrumental in the second spell where his partnership with Wiremu Snowden-Te Iringa was lethal."
