Basketball: Portland and Whangaruru have torrid encounter

Portland's Craig Bevin puts up a shot in his side's match against Whangaruru at Kamo High School on Saturday. Photo/John Stone

A dramatic dunk by Justin Friedrich unlocked a scoring spree for Maunu Lights that saw them power ahead of Raumanga Royals in the Jennian Homes Super Six Basketball League competition.

Maunu's attacking game caused the Royals all sorts of problems in the first half of their clash on Friday night at the Kamo High School gym but the stylish slamdunk broke the shackles for the Lights and saw them post a 51-35 half-time lead.

The Royals never gave up but they were unable to find a way to shut down the Lights' offence and the second half played out much like the first with the Lights recording a 103-80 win.

It was just the result they were after following a long break from competition and Friedrich led the way with 24 points, with Ruel Gare and Jamie Manson scoring 17. For Raumanga, Niasi Malua top scored with a very good 25, while Klay Rouse added 14 and Brad Robinson 13.

The other game on Friday night saw the City Hawks beat the Far North Thunder 91-68.

The physical encounter saw the referees working hard with fouls coming thick and fast and the Thunder were given some cause for regret when foul trouble cost them later in the game.

Numbers for away games continue to be an issue for the visitors but Arahi O'Donnell kept the Thunder in the game with some dead eye shooting as he top scored with 31. Waylon Rewha also was strong on offence with 20.

City Hawks' points were spread around with Herb Smith top-scoring with 28 with Brad Pitman's 12 points the next best.

On Saturday, the much anticipated match between Portland Blazers and Bloodlines Whangaruru proved to be another torrid encounter with Bloodlines winning 82-71.

Both sides ran good defence with good leadership from Bloodlines' captain Imrahn Henare, with 25 points, proving to be a point of difference. Bloodlines' Manasseh Sadler contributed 17 points and Tevin Henare 14.

Te Tai Tokerau Women's Classic leaders, Whangaruru Tukaiaia, beat Portland Flames 71-49 to continue their march to the title.

Whangaruru's defence proved difficult to penetrate and they pressured Portland into turnovers for Whangaruru to capitalise on. Sian Telfer had a great all round game, she ran the lanes well and made slick moves to the hoop.

Cherith Schragg and Reanon Hetaraka-Sadler were unstoppable at the offensive end of the court, top scoring with 19 points each. Serai Murray-Wihongi played well beyond her 14-years to put her own stamp on the game. For Portland, Kay Wairau and Jaime-lee Tito scored 10 apiece, with Jeannie Cameron nine.

The young Phoenix Takahiwai side played a good running game against competition "newbies" Bucks, running out 80-25 winners. Zhane Shortland and Jayde Tuhiwai-Rackich ran the fast breaks well with Shortland top scoring with 19 points, backed up by player-coach Sue Reed-Thomas with 14 and Jayde Tuhiwai-Rackich with 13. Bucks are improving as their experience increases.