"We knew we were coming up against a good side this week so we prepared by concentrating on our systems and everyone worked together and no-one rushed up out of the line ... we managed to close the game out and come away with the win," Pryor said.
The well-organised defence was vital when Mid Northern put the home side under a ton of early pressure. However, partly because of the opposition's good defence and partly because of a deluge of torrential rain, the northerners were unable to get the return they probably deserved and a try to winger Ben Pequia after 15 minutes turned out to be their only points in the match.
A 60m line break by Pryor midway through the spell broke the shackles for Old Boys Marist and led to a good period of possession that saw them turn the tables on the visitors and test their defence on the line.
The defending champions defended well and looked likely to make it to the break without conceding until just before the break Old Boys lock Kieron Ross powered over to equalise.
A minute or two later Pryor punished them again, giving his team a 10-5 lead on the stroke of halftime with a powerful run to the line.
Old Boys Marist might have scored again in the opening five minutes of the second spell but they butchered a couple of good chances.
They continued to have the best of territory, allowing Kite to snap a good drop-goal and then add a penalty to open up a more comfortable lead in the middle of the half. They were then able to wind the clock down by pinning Mid Northern in their own spell for much of the final quarter.
Pryor said the forwards deserved high praise for countering a very good Mid Northern pack.
The win propels his side above Mid Northern on the table and with Cam Eyre and Dan Pryor still to return - and if they can reproduce the same kind of form for the rest of the round - they must be in with a good chance of making the semi-finals.
Kara Pryor said he is enjoying his move north and that has to be good for Old Boys Marist and Northland alike.
"I'm really loving the Northland life and have enjoyed meeting a good bunch of people up here and I'm enjoying my rugby," he said.
Results:
Bayleys Southern Districts Premiership
Old Boys Marist 16 Mid Northern 5;
Wellsford 33 Otamatea 12;
Western Sharks 45 Kamo 31;
Hora Hora 21 Waipu 17;
Mid Western 34 Hikurangi 5.
Southern Districts Premier Reserves
Old Boys 10 Mid Northern 17;
Wellsford 31 Otamatea 7;
Western Sharks 35 Kamo 32;
Hora Hora 45 Waipu 21;
Mid Western 19 Hikurangi 20.
Southern Districts Division 2
Southern 114 Dargaville Old Boys 0.
