Northland seniors
Moerewa Tigers 36 Muriwhenua Kuaka 30 (14-20): Last year's grand finalists hanging in to win this round-four clash in the Northland senior club league competition on home turf at Simson Park on Saturday.
Kuaka coach Vince Rudolph was only able to take the bare minimum of 13 players south, where they were joined by one extra man. Despite this, the visitors led at halftime before the Tigers gradually gained the upper hand, only to spend the last few minutes on the ropes.
"Big ups to all the fellows. A good hearty effort from the boys. Went right down to the wire ... really entertaining football," said Rudolph. His standouts were the Parangi brothers, Piripi and Rehia, Brent Tecklenberg, "He tackled all day, scored tries and kicked goals," along with Sandy Hepi, Holly Rudolph, Tahuri Tibble and prop Nelson Thomas.
In reply, Tigers coach Tommy 'T' Tauranga said the lead changed hands throughout but noted the visitors fluffed their chance to even the final score up when knocking on in the fourth phase while attacking the homeside's line and allowing the ref to blow full-time.
"No good for the faint-hearted," said Mr T, naming the Tigers standouts as prop Herewini McGregor, second rower Tawai Aperahama, and Brodie Palmer and Jaden Hape in the backs.
Otaua Valley Warriors 32 Kerikeri Slayers 26 (ht 16-10): Home advantage proving too much eventually in this clash in Otaua Valley on Saturday, thanks in part to a hat-trick to Owen Paraha and victory secured in last minute fashion (which seemed to have been a bit of a trend in this week's results) after the Slayers had come from behind to make it 26-all in the last quarter.
Kerikeri spokesman Dean Sorenson regarded the result as a missed opportunity which would have given the visitors their first honest point(s) of the season.
"We were pretty gutted, I think we know we beat ourselves. Otaua were too good, scored right at the end. They just out-enthused us," said Sorenson, adding it was still a good match contested by two "even sort of sides".
Standouts included front rower and captain Darren Himiona, Tyron Hapi with two tries including one set up by his father, Ahu, the latter noting, "I'm making you look good, boy!"
The pair are one of two father and son pairings playing for a Slayers unit steadily gaining momentum and currently in good heart.
"We are still working hard, getting a few more players coming along," said Sorenson, noting that Kerikeri was looking forward to hosting Pioneers on the Kerikeri Domain this Saturday.
"Yeah, it'll be another good test. We are keen for it. Penny's going to drop soon with us, particularly if we start off a match with a couple of good tries ..."
Bye - Hokianga Pioneers. (And apologies were extended to the Hokianga Pioneers after having their 40-12 win over the Muriwhenua Kuaka reversed in last week's round-up of results; although it was noted Kuaka had a bit of a giggle over that particular blunder.)
South Zone results included:" Portland Panthers 20 Hikurangi Stags 22, (a late try to Joachim Edmond setting up a narrow win for defending champions); City Knights 22 Wairoa Bulls 24, Takahiwai Warriors 62 Hora Hora Broncos 18.
The draw for this week features on the website.