Hikurangi Stags run roughshod over hapless City

Despite the dire weather, Hikurangi Stags ran in a cricket score at Otaika Sports Park, cementing their minor premiership status with their 72-0 defeat over an ill-fated City.
The Stags secured the 2011 Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League minor premiership last weekend with their 46-30 romp over Takahiwai but it did not stop them from continuing to play quality football on Saturday in the final round robin game of the season, coach Joe Rau said.
"The conditions weren't the best but we played well accordingly. There were some good tries scored," he said.
What was most pleasing was seeing the Stags keep City scoreless and that the side did not suffer anymore casualties to their already injury-plagued squad one week out from the first round of semifinals.
Rau would kit up for his team and play if needed next weekend, but the unit was hoping most of their injured players would be cleared this week, including Caleb Henare (hand), Jordan Rau (ankle), Shannon Neho (hand), along with Jarom Wihongi-Henare, although it was doubtful his knee would be ready in time for Saturday's semifinal clash with Bay Slayers, he said.
"We will try and get these guys cleared but if not we still have a reasonable squad to play," Rau added.
It has been a near dream-run for the Stags, who have lost only one game this season, in round three to Portland - the Panthers winning 22-26.
Rau said there was a good feeling among his team, whose mix of youth and experience has paid dividends and who want revenge after losing last year's final to Kaikohe.
The wet weather has been a menace with teams from all codes being kept off grounds for training. Rau reiterated that he hoped the weather improved so they could have a good blow-out at training before the semis.
In the first round of semis, the minor premiers play the second-placed team, which means Hikurangi will go up against Bay Slayers, who have been dangerous all season. They finished off the round robin with a 44-4 win over Otaua on Saturday. Manager Justin Webster said it was a good final hitout before facing a tough Stags team. Rau will not be taking the Slayers lightly and planned on playing a fast-paced match to try and buck their strong halves, and big half forwards.
The 2010 premiers Kaikohe Lions sat out the final round with a bye, but finished in fourth spot on the table and will play the third-place finishers Portland, who cruised to a 34-0 win over cellar-dwellers Marist in the final round, in this Saturday's other semi.
Meanwhile, Takahiwai defaulted to Wairoa, a rarity for the club, while Moerewa defeated Hokianga 48-12, at Simpson Park.
This Saturday's semifinals schedule sees Portland play Kaikohe at 1pm in semifinal one while Hikurangi will face Bay Slayers in the second semi. Both games will be played at the same venue.
The winner out of Portland and Kaikohe, will play the loser of the second semifinal on August 6, to determine the grand finalists. With wet weather affecting most grounds, teams are trying to source the best track available and keep Jubilee Park intact for August 13 grand final.
 
WCDRL Points After Round 16
Hikurangi 30
Bay 27
Portland 24
Kaikohe 23
Moerewa 20
Wairoa 18
Takahiwai 14
Hokianga 12
City 12
Otaua 7
Marist 5