The Central Vipers ended a two-year losing streak at Porirua Park last week. Whanganui Boxon prop Gordon Karaitiana is fourth from left back row.
The Central Vipers ended a two-year losing streak at Porirua Park last week. Whanganui Boxon prop Gordon Karaitiana is fourth from left back row.
After almost two years without success, Central Vipers broke their losing run in the Pirtek NZRL National Premiership with a 32-22 away win over Wellington Orcas at Porirua Park.
The team included Whanganui prop Gordon Karaitiana from the Whanganui Boxon Club, while Boxon teammate Che Barlow was out injured. CentralVipers trainer Haze Reweti is also a Boxon member.
Trailing 16-12 at halftime, the visitors edged ahead with tries to five-eighth Dylan Hall and wing Joe Ratu, their second each, soon after the restart, and finally clinched the result with a late double to halfback Aarron Whitikia.
The Vipers last tasted victory in 2012, when they defeated Northern Swords 36-8. They went winless through last season, conceding 100 points to Counties Manukau in their final outing.
But they hinted at better things in last week's 2014 season opener, pushing Canterbury Bulls all the way in an 18-12 defeat.
The outcome leaves both teams with a 1-1 record. Wellington host Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions next week, while Central travel north to Counties-Manukau Stingrays.
Three NZ Rugby League national competition games are coming to Cooks Gardens on September 14. They include:
