League: Stallions give Northern Swords a kicking in Whangarei

Raureti Grace (right) and his Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions team will be in action this weekend in Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser

The Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions piled more misfortune on the hapless Northern Swords to edge higher up the Pirtek NZRL National Premiership ladder.

They defeated the Northern Swords 50-4 at Toll Stadium in Whangarei on Sunday, to move into fifth spot in the seven-team competition.

The Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions will play their last game of the season at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua this Sunday against the Central Vipers.

The Stallions entered the contest at the weekend with just one win to their credit this season, a comeback against Wellington Orcas two weeks ago.

However, they were a class above their hosts this time out.

With five-eighth Johnson Peri bagging a hat-trick, the visitors crossed for nine tries and led 22-4 at the break.

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.

Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions 50 (Johnson Peri 3, Caleb Heke, John Koko, Hohepa Monk, Hone Love-Henry, Terry Kapua, Daley Rata-Makene tries; Hayden Karena 7 goals) Northern Swords 4 (Ross McFarlane try); HT: 22-4.