League: Hora Hora club celebrating

Hora Hora's 34-26 win over Kerikeri Slayers might not mean much when it comes to handing out titles later in the year but it meant plenty to the group of organisers who have introduced rugby league to the Hora Hora sports club.

Coach Sean Tito said the team and its support staff were desperate for a win on Saturday.

"This is a big boost for everyone at the club but especially the players, who really deserved it, and I hope this will give them the confidence they need to win another game or two," he said.

"We're in the early stages of playing the game at the club. It's only the second year of playing league here so it's a big win for us and might help us attract a few more players to the club."

Tito said the win was on the cards after good performances in recent weeks but considering the Slayers were also winless, it wasn't as emphatic as it might have been.

"It was a see-saw game, we were always ahead but there were a few tense moments, especially when they closed to within two points in the second half."

Tito said the message was finally getting through to some of the less experienced players that completing the basics was the key to winning games.

"The boys stuck to the game plan and adjusted to conditions better than they did. We completed our sets and then chased up our kicks well and put them under pressure."

Prop Chris Daly and halfback Sam Henry won the player of the day awards. Daly made good yards up the middle and showed good ball security, while Henry's distribution and kicking had been exceptional. Skipper Des Reynolds at centre and second rower Scott Cameron had been standouts as well.

"In the end it was a very successful day for the club.

"We had our first win, the women's rugby team won the Northland final, and the men's senior team beat the Western Sharks and the reserves only lost by four points against their opponents who are at the top of the table, so there was plenty to celebrate," he said.

Hora Hora have a tough away trip next week when they travel to play Muriwhenua Kuaka but if they follow the City Knights' playbook, they may have a chance. The Knights beat them 38-22 in Kaitaia on Saturday to create a near sweep for the Southern teams against their northern rivals.

Northern Wairoa Bulls beat Otaua Valleys 34-14, while the Hikurangi Stags beat the Hokianga Pioneers 32-20 and only the Moerewa Tigers' 22-12 win over the Portland Panthers halted the clean sweep.