Leaders subdue Cougars

Whangaruru triumphed again in round four of the Super Six basketball competition at Kensington Stadium beating Kaikohe Cougars 101-91.

The unbeaten league leaders Whangaruru dispatched the Cougars, who fought from start to finish during the weekend's clash.

Whangaruru crept out to a six point lead at the first quarter break. The Cougars kept the deficit close until the loss of stalwart Taal Smith, who went down with an injury which later resulted in broken ribs.



Without the services of Northland Suns captain Aaron Saddler, Whangaruru showed spectators they are a talented club that can look far down its bench to win games.

Imrahn Wihongi-Henare was again impressive since returning from his Mormon mission topscoring with 29 points. Atama O'Donnell topscored for the Cougars with 34 points.

Meanwhile, City Hawks skipper Travis McIlroy shot a massive 41 points in their clash with Portland, eventually defeating them 76-65.

Cory Poa was back in the side at the weekend, after been away in Auckland for work commitments and played an amazing game full of dunks, shot blocks, and long range shots.

But when he and Suns guard Harlyn Clunie fouled in the important stage of the game, the Hawks capitalised on the opportunity and prevailed.

In the final game of the round, Raumanga Royals held off Maunu Lights to win 77-74.

The defending champions were without young star point guard Cory TeTai but held onto win against a young Maunu outfit.

After starting off with two wins in a row Maunu have lost their last two games. Going into the game without their captain Casey Namana, the Lights trailed the entire game but came back to tie the game 74 all with 30 seconds to go in the fourth quarter.

Royals captain Herb Smith brought the ball up court to find Edwin Popham wide open who drained a miraculous deep three point shop to win the game.

City tip off against Raumanga at 6pm on Friday, while Portland play Kaikohe at 2pm on Saturday, followed by Maunu versus Whangaruru at 3.30pm. Games are at Kamo High School.