Bonus-point win gives Taihape lead

FIVE POINTS: Taihape's Hadlee Hay-Horton dives for the try line with TremainevGilbert and Brett Nichols in support in their win over Utiku Old Boys at Memorial Park.

PGG WRIGHTSON/Ballance Taihape moved to the top of the Tasman Tanning Premier table after winning the derby game with fellow Memorial Park tenants Utiku Old Boys 34-20 on Saturday.

Down 22-6 at halftime, Utiku scored two second-half tries, but Taihape also added two more to pick up the bonus point that kept them ahead of unbeaten Waverley Harvesting Border, heading into their bye week this Saturday.

After a strong start, Utiku's second loss moves them down to fourth as they continue their run of facing their fellow top-four teams in consecutive weeks, with Border next up in Waverley.

At Spriggens Park, Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist gave their supporters a reason to smile with six tries to beat Harvey Round Motors Ratana 45-17, consigning the Rangitikei team to the bottom of the table.

Under pressure to perform well against the Ratana pack, Marist No8 Sam Stewart responded with two tries and was the game MVP.

With the bye this weekend, Ratana will have to have a major rethink with one game remaining for them in the first round.

The senior competition was marked by some major hidings around the wider district, headed by Ngamatapouri running riot at Waitotara Valley against a hapless Ratana, 92-7.

Ngamatapouri coach Roger Pearce gave his side a licence to cut loose and they responded - scoring from the first play to set the tone for the match.

But despite the scoreline, Ratana found parity at the breakdown, turning over plenty of ball.

The visitors' best play came at the back end of the first half and they were rewarded with a try.

However, the Ngamatapouri side were lethal each time they found space, with their faster, stronger runners dotting down 15 times.

Further emphasising the gulf between the teams who will make up the championship group and those destined for the consolation grade, leaders Ruapehu hammered wooden spooners Marist Buffalo's 81-0.

Counties had a good trip to Taihape, thumping Utiku Old Boys 62-0.

Defending champions Hunterville beat their recent bogey team Marist Celtic 30-17, seeing off another potential contender and maintaining their unbeaten record this year.