League: Warriors solid as a Rock

Being caught between a rock and a hard place is an apt description of the style of league played by Pikiao Warrior forward Rock Ahuriri.

The stocky second rower-come-prop, puts body and limb on the line for his team every time he charges at an opponent's defensive line.

Ahuriri showed his value to the team in their 36-12 win over Forestlands at Puketawhero Park at the weekend.

The 36-year-old is a stalwart of the team and although he took a break last year, he has laced up the boots to give the "young fullas a bit of a run for their money".

"I'm probably one of the oldest players out here at the moment. I played with a lot of the old fullas that don't play any more. But I still love running around out there with these fullas and try and keep up with them."

Like his first name, Ahuriri was like a rock for his side constantly the first one to take the ball up - running hard and fast, smashing into the Forestlands forwards with scant regard for his health or the tacklers.

"I love it bro, I just like to take it up all the time."

There was extra motivation for the team after coach Doug Unuwai was taken to Waikato Hospital with a heart condition after Thursday night's training.

Ahuriri said it was important for the team to do well for their coach. "It was a bit sad to hear about [Unuwai] but we tried to stick to what we know for him and came a way with the win. So that's good."

Although the side won, it took Pikiao some time to settle into the match.

Forestlands were equally motivated with only 14 players to call on for the match, their coach Riki Nicholls played a smart game. With no trainers, Nicholls was out on the field with water bottles in hand guiding and motivating his players.

What did let him down was his side's constant infractions while defending.

They would often get late into the tackle count only to be penalised for holding on too long.

And when Forestlands did have the ball they would often cough it up early into their tackle count to put more pressure on them.

The standout players were the Dawson brothers: Graham and Ants. Often the pair would be the first men at the tackle and the hits were monumental.

Pikiao piled on four tries to Forestlands one to go into the break 20-6 up.

Although Forestlands started to wither near the end Pikiao could only manage another three tries to the visitors' one.

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In the other match in the premier division, Taupo were too strong for Ngongotaha beating the Rotorua side 38-14.

In reserve grade, Putaruru beat Pacific 28-14, Taupo lost to Pikiao 28-16, Turangi thrashed Tauhara 64-18 and Central had a 56-6 win over Reporoa.

Scorers; Pikiao 36 (R Hohepa, P Taiatini, A Gardiner, B Tahuriorangi 2, P King, B Raroa tries; R Hohepa 2 cons, B Raroa 1 con, P King 1 con) Forestlands 12 (M Te Hiko, B Neho tries; J Withers 2 cons) Halftime: 20-6.

Turn to page 29 for get well messages to Pikiao coach Doug Unuwai.