Deficit less but we're still falling on own sword, says Neal

Northern Swords Premiers coach Revell Neal says his team are their own worst enemies after their 64-16 loss to South Island Premiers in New Zealand Rugby League's National Competition, in Whangarei.
"We took another step forward [yesterday] in the competition but we are our own worst enemy at times with basic errors slipping into our game," the coach said following yesterday's game at Jubilee Park in front of a vocal crowd.
"But there were a lot of positives that came out of the game. For starters we got 16 points, and the boys are getting fit. Our first game the scoreline was in the 80s, then in the 70s last week and now we are into the 60s - that's something."
The Swords round-three away game against Wellington Orcas last weekend took its toll on the side, who had 10 players unavailable for yesterday's match due to injury, including fullback Jordan Rau (fractured sternum) and Logan Pocklington, who had damaged shoulder ligaments. The pair are unlikely to return to play in the rest of this year's competition.
Winger Innocent Tuimavave Mau was also ruled out of the game, with a pulled gluteal muscle, but may be fit by next weekend's match against Waicoa Bays Stallions.
Neal said: "We went into camp at the Otangarei Marae really short ahead of the game, and we had to register four new players ... we've also had players not turning up for training this far into the season and then they turn up to play on Sundays. The guys we put out on the field are the ones who are committed and turning up to training ... we need to change that way of thinking in time for next year if we want to improve."
South Island were ably led by their halves Simon Mounga and Josh Reuben and capitalised on the Swords' lapses in concentration and their lack of structure at times. South Island were a fitter side all round.
At times, the Swords backline proved to be a bit of a handful for South Island Premiers with a standout performance from centre Koro Manawaiti, while Josh Poasa and Tumai Kepa also put their hands up.
South Island quickly got out in front during the first half and were well ahead (42-6) at the break, with Wiki Record scoring the only Swords try of the half. However, a rev-up from Neal spurred the Swords on and they stepped up for the second spell, with lock forward Para Murray and half back Herewini Edmonds also running in tries while skipper Anaru Thompson landed two conversions.
The South Island were slightly more contained, but extended their lead to win comfortably.
South Island 17s ran away with the match in the first half as their hosts, the Northern Swords, struggled to find any momentum. Basic errors flawed their game and South Island led 38-0 at the break. The final score was 68-14, with the Swords getting more possession and playing the ball in the latter half.
After a strong first half, the Northern Swords 15s trailed 10-4 in their earlier clash, with Cody Tikitiki scoring the Swords only try. South Island stretched their lead to win 24-4 in an amended performance from their thrashing by Wellington last weekend.
The Northern Swords travel to Tauranga this Sunday to play Waicoa Bays at Blake Park.

South Island Premiers 64 (Junior Salecao (2), Bruce Havea (2), Blair Sims, Jermahl Carroll, Tyrone Edmonds, Josh Reuben, James Baxendale, Phil Nati, Pani Manawatu tries, Simon Mounga (9), Pani Manawatu goals) Northern Swords Premiers 16 (Herewini Edmonds, Wiki Record, Para Murray tries, Anaru Thompson (2) goals).