But for all that firepower the game stayed scoreless in the first half as Ngamatapouri only once looked to kick in general play, which was charged down, and instead tapped penalties and ran even from their own try-line, looking to break through.
Border, meanwhile, lived by the stronger technique of their scrums – winning tightheads and their own feeds alike, but without their backline generals, they struggled to put together co-ordinated attacks, and dropped the ball with the line in sight.
The home side even took the scrum for their penalty options, after young first-five Tyrone Albert made one three-pointer attempt and missed.
As depth perception lowers by 30 per cent at night, Ngamatapouri also made some key fumbles when looking to offload.
The theme continued into the second half although now Ngamatapouri were beginning to break tackles to get a roll-on, and finally in the 55th minute, after a strong charge by No.8 Bryn Hudson was stopped just short, the gap opened off the ruck for impressive fullback Peceli Malanicagi to dash through and run back under the posts.
First-five Brook Tremayne slotted the extras, and after defending a Border surge into their own half, where again the home side lost the ball at crucial moments, Ngamatapouri got a big lift on their breakthrough of the defensive line, when despite losing possession the forwards were able to turn the home side's scrum to get a possession turnover off them for a change.
From a set move, the ball was spread wide and Kuruyabaki ran through a half gap and put winger Josaia Bogileka over untouched in the corner, with Tremayne raising the flags from the sideline.
Best for the home side was midfielder Alekesio Vakarorogo, who made plenty of cover tackles and was his side's remaining strike weapon, along with young loose forward Tobias Stark, son of club legend Ray, who stepped up to assist skipper Angus Middleton in pressuring Ngamatapouri's ruck ball and forcing turnovers.
It won't get any easier for Border as they head to the other side of the catchment this Saturday to meet rivals Taihape.
In Senior, the Country division continues to be "murderers' row", as down in the Pā, Harvey Round Motors Ratana got payback on defending champions Kelso Hunterville, holding out 29-24 in the 2021 final rematch.
Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield holders JJ Walters Marton sits top of the table after a great comeback at their park – coming from 16 points down to winning 27-24 over McCarthy Transport Ruapehu.
With two games left until the Championship/Consolation split, Bennett's Taihape stayed in touch with the top 3 after a 34-12 win over Utiku Old Boys in the Memorial Park derby.
The Town division sees Gemini Pepper Construction Kaierau remains undefeated after a 43-29 win over Marist Buffalos in a free-flowing game at the Country Club.
Ali Arc Logistics-DNA Kennels Marist Celtic rebounded from their loss to Kaierau to keep their top 3 spot, courtesy of a 61-0 hammering of Border under lights on Friday at Dallison Park.
Black Bull Liquor Pirates pulled away from McCrea Scanning Counties in the second half to win 33-20 at McNab Domain.
Results, May 7
Tasman Tanning Premier, Week 3
Settlers Honey Ngamatapouri 14 (Peceli Malanicagi, Josaia Bogileka tries; Brook Tremayne 2 con) bt Waverley Harvesting Border 0. HT: 0-0.
Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist 41 (Paiki Ponga, James Robertson, Ben O'Leary, Rangi Kui, Marc Ouellet tries; Kui 4 pen, 2 con) bt Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau 10 (Ethan Robinson try, pen, con). HT: 11-10.
Bye: Byford's Readimix Taihape.
Senior, Week 3
Town
At Kaierau Country Club: Gemini Pepper Construction Kaierau bt Marist Buffalos 43-29. HT: 19-12.
At Dallison Park: Ali Arc Logistics-DNA Kennels Marist Celtic bt Border 61-0. HT: 17-0.
At McNab Domain: Black Bull Liquor Pirates bt McCrea Scanning Counties 33-20. HT: 14-13.
Country
At Ratana Pa: Harvey Round Motors Ratana bt Kelso Hunterville 29-24. HT: 17-7 Ratana.
At Marton Park (Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield): JJ Walters Marton bt McCarthy Transport Ruapehu 27-24. HT: 24-8 Ruapehu.
At Memorial Park: Bennett's Taihape bt Utiku OB 34-12. HT: 22-7
Around the grounds
METRO: The St Johns Whanganui Metro Women did not have to wait long for their second win in the MRU competition after hammering Ashhurst Pohangina RFC 102-0 at Spriggens Park on Saturday. Looking to make the semifinals for the first time, the team will be tested when they host Old Boys Marist this Saturday. The St Johns Whanganui Colts were on the bye and resume their campaign away to Bush SC.
MCKENZIE: Former WRFU development officer Lesley McKenzie coached Japan's Sakura XV to a 28-14 upset win over Fijiana on the Gold Coast last week. The Fiji side was made up of the players who recently went unbeaten in the Super W competition.
HEARTLAND: The second fitness session for potential Steelform Whanganui squad members will be at 6pm on Monday night at the Kaierau Country Club. A Whanganui squad will be chosen to play Wairarapa-Bush on Queen's Birthday Monday, June 6.
