Ruapehu centre Logan Vaughan looks to get his pass away in the tackle of Marist winger Scott Dowman. Photo/Bevan Conley
Ruapehu centre Logan Vaughan looks to get his pass away in the tackle of Marist winger Scott Dowman. Photo/Bevan Conley
It will be all on at Ohakune this coming weekend as McCarthy's Ruapehu and Integrity Motors Pirates both moved ahead of the chasing pack at the top of the Tasman Tanning Premier table during Saturday's matches.
Held close by the young Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist team by halftime at SpriggensPark, Ruapehu scored four tries in the second spell to emerge comfortable 25-3 winners.
Having welcomed back veterans like lock Nick Cranston and centre Logan Vaughan, the defending champions had a more settled look and with a bonus-point try climbed to the top of the standings, as Pirates had what proved a tough away trip to Taihape's Memorial Park.
Facing a new-look Utiku Old Boys, reinforced by the arrival of four Fijian players, Pirates still maintained their unbeaten record with a narrow 14-9 victory.
Pirates lock Matt Thompson scored the only try of the match in the first half, then the two sides traded penalties in the second stanza.
Down at Marton Park, Taihape moved back into the Top 4 after a no-frills 15-3 win over Speirs Food Marton, scoring a try in each half through front rowers Slade Hay-Horton and Rimu Wipaki.
Taihape's win coupled with Marist and Waverley Harvesting Border's losses creates a close jam from third through to sixth position, heading into the final three weeks of Round 1 which will be completed on May 17.
In the Tasman Tanning Senior competition, the Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield has its second owner in as many weeks as the Marist Buffalo's ended Ruapehu's short reign with a 29-15 win at Spriggens Park.
Defending champions Power Farming (PN) Hunterville continued their slump in form with a 17-13 defeat at home to Marist Celtic, leaving Hunterville in the rare position of sitting outside the Top 4.
The Downs Group Marton saw off Taihape 19-10 to currently move one point ahead of Tech at the cut-off point between the Senior championship and consolation grades, before the competition splits after June 14.
