League: Poor Pioneers 'just blew it'

PALM OFF: Hokianga's David Wikaira attempts a fend on the much bigger Kerion Henare of Hikurangi Stags. PHOTO/TANIA WHYTE

A HEARTBREAKING loss by the visiting Hokianga Pioneers against Hikurangi Stags in round 14 saw the Pioneers come away from Blue Goose empty-handed after the game ended 18-20.

Efforts levels varied, but the Pioneers were certainly not lacking flair, and they kicked into overdrive in the second half.

However, they failed to convert several attacking opportunities on the Stags' line in the last quarter, any of which would have given them the win.

"We had our chances and we just blew it," Hokianga coach Jason Smith said.

With opportunities to score going amiss by mere centimetres at times, Hokianga traipsed home down at heart but certainly not out of the premiership race.

"We've still got three games left and as long as we make the top six I'll think we'll be hard to beat," Smith said.

"Our forwards played good today.

"I think we went down there and gave it our all. We've still got a bit of room to improve.

"When you play teams like that you have to be prepared to play strong.

"We had our chances - can't blame anybody else."

With a tough match against Portland on the cards for next week, Smith said his team would need to lift their effort again to come away with a win.

In other matches in round 14, Takahiwai continued their recent winning ways with a 24-16 win over Muriwhenua.

After demolishing Hora Hora 58-0 in the previous round, Takahiwai have rebuilt from their scattered results earlier in the year to make a late run for the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Portland came out on top after a tight encounter against the Moerewa Tigers.

Escaping with a 26-24 win, Portland's good performance has allowed them to crawl back into the top four and sent a warning to Moerewa, who have remained near the top of the premiership ladder for the better part of the year.

The remaining game of the round saw Otangarei capitalise on a weakened Hora Hora Broncos to secure a 68-4 win at Fishbone Park.