By PETER JESSUP
The Bartercard Cup produced another try-fest at the weekend with the regional spread of wins showing the evenness of most of the teams.
Upset of the weekend was Marist-Richmond sneaking home over fancied Glenora, who lost too much lost ball in the 30-26 result.
Otahuhu, spurred by a big halftime
lead, were too big and fast for Northcote. Wainuiomata thumped Ngongotaha, Mt Albert withstood a late comeback from Porirua, while Manurewa stayed close to Canterbury for 60 minutes but lost 34-16.
At Ericsson Stadium, the Hibiscus Coast Raiders finally lived up to their preseason promise, toughing out a 32-18 win over the Eastern Tornadoes. Second rower Phillip Leuluai continued to impress for the Tornadoes, scoring two tries with some good backing-up and a great step.
But the Raiders finally found some forward power, punching 60m gains on their sets. Karl Te Mata scored two tries off the end of smart ball movement.
Solomon Kiri was the destroyer for Otahuhu. He and Chris Magele created havoc on both sides of the ruck and Warrior wing Odell Manuel made good metres on his comeback from injury.
Warriors development player Paul Whatuira again proved his class, with three tries as Wainuiomata walloped the Chiefs 44-12.
The seventh-round results leave Otahuhu clear leaders, the Bears, Wainuiomata, Tornadoes and Bulls chasing. Only Porirua remain winless after Marist's effort.
With the regional mix up the table, the competition is proving to be a success for the NZRL.
