Bulls make it hard for Takahiwai

Takahiwai made hard work of their game against a well-drilled Wairoa Bulls team but managed a slim 40-34 victory.
The rain held off at Takahiwai on Saturday during a frustrating 80 minutes for host side coach Thomas Murray, whose team showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to put together a convincing and cohesive effort against Wairoa.
"We made it hard for ourselves but we definitely lifted in the second half ... we have five of our regular players out with injury - three forwards and two backs, so that didn't make it any easier.
"Our penalty rate (20-6) was far too high and we need to work on our basics. The structure is there ... we just need some cohesion out there," Murray said.
Fumbled balls on the line, intercepted passes and turnovers plagued both teams in the first half, but Takahiwai maintained a 20-16 lead at the break.
Second rower Dwain Bainbridge opened the scoring for Takahiwai and was quickly followed by centre Ross McFarlane, who ran in his first of three tries, winger Tyson Epiha, and stand-off Kyle Hool, who also converted Bainbridge and McFarlane's tries.
Wairoa remained in striking distance throughout the first 40, with hooker Tamati Dick, second rower Jakey Mau and winger Pat Tane narrowing the gap.
The Bulls came out charging in the second half, with skipper Robbie Paniora levelling the score at 20-20. Shelford Edwards kicked his third conversion, putting his side in the lead. The hosts were playing catch up football when Epiha went across the line but the referee disallowed it. Attacking aggressively from the restart, Wairoa's forwards positioned their players well and prop James Frearson crossed the chalk to extend their lead.
Another try from Tane and a 20-34 advantage saw Wairoa's confidence grow, and then Nephi Pukepuke scored a quick corner try to put the hosts back into the game.
Wairoa have never won a game against Takahiwai and, in the last 15 minutes, Takahiwai did everything they could to keep their proud record intact. McFarlane and Bainbridge both found space to run in their second tries, converted by Hool, when Wairoa's defence slackened.
The Bulls had a chance near fulltime to claim the lead once more, but a fumble on the tryline dashed hopes of a round five win.
Takahiwai made up for a half-hearted first half by finishing the game with a flourish - with halfback Jess Epiha chipping the ball ahead from about 20 metres out from their tryline, which McFarlane chased and sealed the match for the hosts.
In other round five matches, Portland romped home to a 92-12 victory over Marist
which had only 10 players, but decided not to default and played with heart and passion, earning respect from the Portland men.
Hokianga just pipped Moerewa 36-40 in the first match of the double header at Otaua, while Bay Slayers won 50-24 over Otaua in the final clash. Hikurangi had a convincing 52-16 win over City.