The return of Adam Clarke to Mid Western on Saturday signalled a turning point for his team's fortunes in their match against Hikurangi, and possibly their season, as they upset the competition co-leaders 17-15.
The former Western Force halfback left Mid Western at the end of last season to play in
Germany but made his return after halftime in the match with his side trailing 0-10.
He marshalled the team's second-half comeback, earning the praise of Hikurangi coach Stu Cook.
"When he came on they were looking a bit jaded but he got them cracking again and was their main man after that," Cook said.
Hikurangi enjoyed the majority of possession but Mid Western continued to defend well throughout the match.
"When we continued to move the ball around in the first half looking for gaps, they defended pretty well and capitalised on our mistakes out wide," Cook said.
A couple of intercepts turned Mid Western's fortunes around and tries to Saxon Samuels and Chris Newson, plus a disallowed Hikurangi try, was enough to seal the important win.
The win moves Mid Western into fourth place above Hora Hora and damages Hikurangi's hopes of a home semifinal with some of their players about to drop out of the competition with Northland commitments looming.
The win for Mid Western also earned them the Jubilee Cup -- a Ranfurly Shield style competition - with the holders putting the trophy up for grabs for homes games only. It was Hikurangi's first home loss of the season.
Old Boys continue their second-round resurgence with a great 22-17 win over Marist but the match was really decided by the bounce of the ball.
In a see-sawing game, Old Boys kicker Connor Matson lined up a penalty with fulltime almost up on the clock and his side trailing 15-17. The kick was a shocker but fell back into Old Boys hands. From there the forwards did the rest and Ethan Crutcher dived over to score the winning try.
The final match of the round saw Kamo defeat Wellsford 20-16.
