Takahiwai Warriors expected a repeat of their earlier 90-0 win over Horahora Broncos on Saturday but were surprised with the latter's significantly improved form.
The boys from south of Whangarei had to work for their 42-24 win at Horahora and with just a solitary loss against the Moerewa Tigers so far, co-coach Mark Freeman is calling for more improvements.
"We beat them by 90 points in an earlier round so we're a little bit disappointed. But they improved a hell of a lot since. It was a gutsy game and they kept coming at us the whole day," he said.
A couple of times the hosts put the visitors on the ropes and Freeman said the score was no indication how tight the game was. He singled out loose forward Nick Shoe, halfback Jo Freeman, and front rower Mike Hauraki as the stand-out performers.
In other results, Moerewa Tigers continued their winning form, beating Northern Wairoa Bulls 46-16 at Memorial Park in Dargaville, while Portland Panthers edged out Hokianga Pioneers at home 38-34.
