League: Tech share lead despite loss to powerful MAC

Napier Tech hooker Frankie Supi runs from dummy-half, with teammate Toa Vatu in support, as MACs Sefo Au tries to get to his feet during their teams' rugby league match on Saturday at the Regional Sports Park, Hastings. Photo / Paul Taylor

It may have been a bit "raggedy" but at least it's still happening.

That's the state of rugby league in Hawke's Bay, according to stalwart and veteran coach Waka Leonard, as he tries to add yet another title to the hordes garnered from more than three decades mentoring players through the ups and downs of the 13-man code in the region.

It was no different at the Regional Sports Park on Saturday, where his Napier Tech team managed to retain a share of the unique spring season's competition lead, despite having just 13 players, no subs, and losing the game.

It was close, though, for Tech had the fully mustered MAC almost on the ropes, until they decided against taking a penalty, which might have sealed the game, and then watched MAC score at the other end.

MAC, late starters in the six-team competition, won 37-30 - a telling result that made the picture of the eventual top four for the playoffs clearer, although it's only just past the halfway stage of the seven-round preliminary series.

Tech started the competition by beating defending champions Napier Pirate Panthers in the opening round, but only after the teams agreed to share the points because no referee had been available for the match.

The Panthers beat Kahuranaki 30-28 to join Seals at the top, with 10 points each, while Outkast joined MAC on 8 after scoring a 44-20 win over 2014 finalists Omahu Huia, who are yet to record a win.

The big Bridge Pa unit is starting to dominate the Reserve grade competition, after beating Bay Bulldogs 56-15, while MAC remained unbeaten in the women's competition, although their match was called off early on Saturday.