League: Takahiwai shine in the wet

Takahiwai's Hori Tuhoro takes on Hora Hora's defensive line during his side's 58-0 win over the Hora Hora Broncos. Photo / John Stone

Takahiwai have crept their way back up the RLN Scott Electrical Premiership ladder after a convincing 58-0 victory over Hora Hora.

Fresh off a bye, and looking to make amends of their mixed bag of recent results, Takahiwai played well through the sloppy conditions on offer at Hora Hora's home ground right from the first whistle.

"It was a forwards game. The forwards laid the platform, we just took advantage of it," Takahiwai coach Mark Freeman said.

Starting the game with all cylinders firing, Takahiwai capitalised on recurring slips in Hora Hora's defensive line and, once they learned how to make the most of their line breaks on attack, the game opened up from there.

Much like the heavy downpours flooding the pitch and the side-streets nearby, Takahiwai flooded the scoreboard with tries to head home with their heads held high.

"They stuck to what we asked, that was the secret today," Freeman said of his side's ability to implement a set gameplan.

In addition to this, Takahiwai fronted up with a well stocked bench which improved their confidence going into the round.

"We're getting guys back from injury now ... so we're starting to get some momentum," Freeman said.

"Until now we've been chopping and changing [but] today was the first game we've had a full bench of fresh players.

"We'll build up now, week-to-week and see where we finish. We're happy with where we are," he said.

After breaking into the top four earlier in the season, a few upsets caused Takahiwai to slip down the ladder.

Despite this, they're still on track to finish the season with a run at a potential semifinal berth.

"We want to peak at semi's this year," Freeman said after hinting his side are operating at about 70 per cent so far.

Hora Hora coach Sean Tito commended the efforts of Takahiwai, especially given the wet conditions.

"I take my hat off to Taka, they played a good forwards game," Tito said.

"It was trying conditions, she was hosing down for a bit - [it] wasn't ideal."

With a round 13 win under their belts, Takahiwai will now shift their attention toward this weekend's game at home against the Muriwhenua Falcons.

"It was just that they stuck to what we wanted, took it up the middle and took advantage of that," Freeman said.