Henare clan lead Hikurangi to big win

Hikurangi showed they meant business in the run up towards Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League finals when the demolished the Bay Slayers at Tikipunga.
Despite the 52-14 thumping of Bay Slayers, the visitors started the second round clash strongly on Saturday, with Pouri Hohaia and Daniel Rakana running in tries to match Hikurangi.
At the halfway mark it was 14-12 to Hikurangi, and from there the hosts dominated, playing Slayers off the park.
Hikurangi's Sintel Causer ran in a hat-trick on the wing, while brothers Jerome Henare, Caleb Wihongi-Henare, Kyrian Henare along with their father Darren Henare wreaked havoc on the paddock.
"We started Kyrian on the wing and then moved him to second row as he loves the physical stuff - it was just as well as Slayers were a very physical side," Hikurangi manager Jim Lees said following the victory.
Hikurangi have found their form since the return of the Henare siblings and Joe Rau who helped in last week's win over premiers Takahiwai.
Bay Slayers' coach Phil Gordon  said there was no doubt Hikurangi were the better team on the day, playing with more passion but  questioned some of the calls made by the referee, who was officiating in his first match.
Meanwhile, after two consecutive losses, Saturday's match against Kaikohe was a crucial clash for last year's premiers' Takahiwai, four games out from playoffs.
However, in a turnaround from last year's grand final, Kaikohe Lions roared to life and dealt to an injury-plagued Takahiwai outfit, winning 40-22 - bouncing the premiers into second spot on the table alongside Portland on equal points.
Moerewa took over the top spot after their one point victory of Portland, 23-22, in a nailbiting clash at Moerewa, while Wairoa Bulls hosted City Knights and despite a hearty effort from the youthful City side, Wairoa were too strong, comfortably taking the match 72-18.
The remaining places on the table go to Hikurangi in third spot, followed by Kaikohe and Wairoa, fourth equal, then Bay Slayers and City Knights.
Two round one matches - Bay Slayers versus Wairoa and Kaikohe's game against Wairoa - are yet to be played and will be scheduled if any team needs the points to make the top four for playoffs.