League: Takahiwai crush Moerewa in top three clash

Takahiwai's Hori Tuhoro. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Takahiwai Warriors have emphatically moved into the RLN Premiership top two with a strong win over top three rival Moerewa Tigers.

Takahiwai eased to a 50-10 victory, moving them into the top two with four rounds left to play.

Moerewa had home advantage as Takahiwai made the trip northwards with their junior and senior sides in tow.

Takahiwai have been a consistent presence in the playoffs for a number of years now and they showed their pedigree off in what was a surprising romp.

Moerewa had lost just twice heading into the contest, though their defeat to top of the table Ōtangarei was tighter than the 36-22 scoreline suggested.

Takahiwai made their presence felt with early tries, not allowing Moerewa's potent attack to impose themselves on the game as their defence continued their strong 2018 form.

The match was billed as the best defence against the premier attack in the competition but the defensively-stout Takahiwai outfit stopped most of Moerewa's raids.

The win lifts Takahiwai to second on the ladder, three points behind leaders Ōtangarei who enjoyed a bye week following the withdrawal of Northern Wairoa Bulls.

Meanwhile Portland Panthers pipped Hora Hora Broncos at the post in an 82-point thriller.

Hora Hora have picked up just the solitary victory in 2018, though that isn't a great reflection on how competitive they have been at various points across the season.

They looked likely to double their win tally at home but Portland clung on for dear life in the latter stages of the match to extend the gap between themselves and Hora Hora on the ladder.