Swords misfortune continues to deepen

Kingi Rakete-Tane from Otaua Valleys RLC scores a try against Wai-Coa-Bay Colt 15s.

Northern Swords 4 Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions 50 (4-22): It's hard to imagine things going much worse for the Swords - and representative league as a whole for the province - following this trouncing at 'home' in front of a miserable crowd and equally miserable conditions at Toll Stadium on a storm ravaged Sunday afternoon.

Wai-Coa-Bay piled more misfortune on the hapless Northern Swords, but edged themselves higher up the ladder with this comprehensive win in round 5 of the Pirtek NZRL National Premiership in Whangarei. The Stallions entered the contest with just one win to their credit this season - a dramatic comeback against Wellington Orcas two weeks ago - but were a class above their hosts this time; the Swords sole four points coming from Ross McFarlane try.This was the second consecutive game the Swords had conceded 50 points and their chances of securing a victory this season now look bleak. Their four defeats so far have been by an average of 42 points, with remaining fixtures against defending champions Akarana Falcons and unbeaten competition leaders Canterbury Bulls leaving little hope of salvation.

Next up for the Swords is another home game, against Akarana Falcons this Sunday, same time, same place.

The side's season will be completed the following weekend in round 7 on October 5, with the Swords travelling to the South Island to play the Canterbury Bulls but with no hopes of making the play offs.

JUNIOR

The junior curtain raiser games saw the Northern Swords 17s lose toWai-Coa-Bay Colts 17s (12-36). The Northern Swords 15s didn't fare much better, with a 14-28 loss against Wai-Coa-Bay Colts 15s.

Northern Swords 15s manager Tarei Patuwairua said that, despite the loss, it gave management a good opportunity to look at their overall group of players in consideration for the tournament.

"It was a good opportunity for our boys to have a hit out before the nationals tournament." He named Phoenix Henare-Clark, Xavier Johnson and Rewi Windleborne-Rawere as standout players.

Mr Patuwairua added, "We are the best team thats been under (coach) Jimmy Larkin and we are expecting a positive result and are striving for the finals."

The Swords 15s and 17s are in the final preparations to head to the 'Got a Trade Got it Made' NZRL National Tournament in Rotorua.

This weekend will see them take on their rivals from Wai-Coa-Bay. In August, the Swords competed against the individual districts at the Upper Central District tournament with the 15s narrowly losing to Bay of Plenty in the final and the 17s finishing in 3rd position.

15s coach, Jim Larkin, reckons that this is the best group of 15s he has had yet and is quietly confident that they will do a lot more than make up numbers at the Nationals. 17s coach, Benson Selwyn, is also confident that his boys are well prepared. "They finished 3rd in the National Competition in 2013 and the standard of our 17s gets better year on year. Although tournament football can be harder we will be strong." Selwyn said.