Just like the New Zealand conference in the Super 15, the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier Competition is so tight teams should already be thinking about playing knockout rugby.

The Otangarei Knights will look to achieve a rare feat tomorrow when they face the Hikurangi Stags - beating them twice in one season.

The annual Stafford Choat contest is about to come alive again as the knockout cup tournament starts tomorrow.

Mangakahia Squash Club's Brent Lewis won the battle of the sexes at the Mangakahia Squash Open, taking top honours and providing an entertaining match.

There's an interesting line between what is a feel-good, grass-root sport, for everyday people who want to excel and what is a sport for freaks.

The stage is set for a riveting finish to the Harding Shield at Toll Stadium tomorrow, with three teams in with a chance of picking up the trophy.

Pukekohe trainer Richard Collett hopes course specialist Payette can gift his training partner, Gareth McRae, a going-away present at Ruakaka tomorrow.

Hokianga, Hikurangi, Northern Wairoa, and Moerewa have crucial games this weekend in the Rugby League Northland MultiKai Cooker Premiership.

Whangarei's football fraternity is backing a Northland football referee subjected to death threats and abuse after two contentious calls in a Fifa World Cup match.