Rugby: Close contests across board in fourth round

Kaierau winger Stu Brosnahan tries to get away from Marist's Simon Dibben and Josiah Bogileka. Photo/Stuart Munro

Low scoring and tight finishers marked a physical Week 4 of the Tasman Tanning Premier competition around the district on Saturday.

Expecting a tough fight at Dallison Park, McCarthy's Ruapehu held on to claim a 14-8 win over Waverley Harvesting Border, whose bonus point saw them just keep new Grand Hotel Challenge Shield holders Taihape outside the top four, setting up another big clash this Easter Weekend.

Ruapehu scored converted tries through midfield back Logan Vaughan and hooker Karl Parker but could not cross the line in the second half, with the sole points being Border prop Justin Manley-Green's try.

The team from Ohakune move to the top of the table with Integrity Motors Pirates, now the only undefeated side, on their bye week.

At the Country Club, Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau's narrow halftime lead dissipated as Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist got back to winning ways with a 23-14 victory.

Being competitive for only sequences in matches has been Kaierau's problem so far in 2014, as Marist flanker Dylan Moles, hooker Viki Tofa and centre Josiah Bogileka all crossed for their team to be the only side to get three tries on Saturday.

Down at Marton Park, the home team got into the winners circle for the first time this season, but not without a real struggle with bottom of the table Utiku Old Boys conversions proving the difference in the 14-10 result.

In Senior rugby, Hunterville hung onto the Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield only barely, coming from 12-5 down at halftime to beat Counties 13-12 and keep their unbeaten record intact.

Marist Celtic stay on top of the table after a 21-13 win over Tech.

Border move to second spot as they held on 30-29 against Ruapehu .