Pirates upend Taihape

Taihape centre Cyrus Paringatai looks to get his pass around the Pirates defence at Spriggens Park on Saturday.

Black Bull Liquor Pirates made a big statement in Tasman Tanning Premier after coming from behind to beat fellow undefeated team Wrightson/Balance Taihape 33-24 at Spriggens Park on Saturday.

Now with three wins on the trot, with a couple more import players expected to arrive this week, Pirates are firmly looking to re-establish themselves on top of the pecking order after the disappointments of 2016.

Taihape, on paper, had a very settled backline and most of their standout forwards from last year, although notably outside back Luke Whale was being tried as a flanker, but after leading 10-3 at the break, they were outscored 30-14 in the second stanza.

Back at Taihape's shared home of Memorial Park, Utiku Old Boys challenged Waverley Harvesting Border for the Grand Hotel Challenge Shield, with the visitors getting up 48-15 in a typically scrappy match.

Border had a couple of frowns with fullback Nick Harding tweaking his old hamstring injury, but put on 31 points in the second stanza.

McCarthy's Transport Ruapehu got their first win of the season with a 52-0 hammering of Harvey Round Motors Ratana down at the Pa, which serves as a reminder that with all their veterans back and motivated, Ruapehu are also keen for one more crack at glory since their last championship in 2013.

In Senior rugby, Pirates made it a great day for their club by disposing of Taihape 29-5 to lift the Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield in the visitor's first defence.

Also making a statement was Speirs Food Marton, who came from behind at halftime to beat perennial contenders Hunterville 25-19, while Marist Celtic comfortably disposed of Kaierau 43-0 at the Country Club.

Results, April 1

Tasman Tanning Premier
Pirates bt Taihape 33-24. HT: 10-3 Taihape.
Marist bt Kaierau 48-17. HT: 28-3.
Grand Hotel Challenge Shield - Border bt Utiku OB 48-15. HT 17-5.
Ruapehu bt Ratana 52-0. HT: 21-0; Ngamatapouri bye.

Senior
Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield - Pirates bt Taihape 29-5. HT: 5-0.
Marton bt Hunterville 25-19. HT: 7-5 Hunterville.
Celtic bt Kaierau 43-0. HT 19-0.
Counties v Ruapehu score not provided.
Byes: Border and Marist Buffalo's