League: Swords seek support after Vipers bite

Tumoana Halkyard of the Northern Swords tackles Vaiola Kereli (Central Vipers) during their match in Whanganui on Sunday. The Vipers were easy winners 74-16. Photo / APN

It was a different story this season when the Northern Swords met the Central Vipers, with the Vipers smashing the Northlanders 74-16 in Whanganui.

Last year the Swords beat the Vipers in Ohaeawai to claim their first NZRL National Premiership win. However, the same couldn't be repeated this time around.

The Central Vipers - comprising players from Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu, and Whanganui - were quickly on top this time, running in seven tries to lead 36-4 at halftime on Sunday.

Coach Mark Freeman had few positive things to say about the team's performance.

"I thought after last week's run against the Auckland Development squad that we had prepared well going into the game, there were some who tried and others who shouldn't have put a jersey on," he said.

"We're not going to give up, though, we will address what it takes to play rugby league and tackle this week and take on the next challenge."

The Vipers have now registered two wins this year, having accounted for Wellington two weeks ago. By contrast, the Swords now have one hand on the wooden spoon, still winless through four rounds.

The Swords, however, have Wai-Coa-Bay this Sunday at Toll Stadium, with the Stallions also coming off a big loss as they were thumped by Counties Manukau 68-0.

Rugby League Northland general manager Alex Smits encouraged Northland fans to get along to Toll Stadium to try and help their representative team through the difficult patch.

"In tough times whanau support whanau [and] these are tough times for the Swords," Smits said. "We need our Northland league public to get down to Toll [Stadium] this weekend and give them support from the sidelines."

The Swords 15s and 17s will also have their final hit-outs against the Wai-Coa-Bay outfit before they head to Rotorua for their national campaign.