League: Marist resolute in breakthrough win

Marist Brothers skipper Mike Laiman led his side to their first win on the paddock against heavyweights Takahiwai in the Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League competition.

Takahiwai hosted Marist for Saturday's third-round error-ridden clash, but Marist dug deep for their first win on the field, beating Takahiwai 20-22.

Marist entered the competition last year, and had one win by default and a draw. This season, they have had a win by default, so Saturday's victory was extra special for the Brothers.

Things were not looking so great at halftime however. Both sides racked up a huge error rate in the first 40, but Takahiwai had the edge and led the brethren 16-6 at the break.

Following a halftime drilling from the coaching staff, the visitors lifted and stepped up their defence, restricting Takahiwai to scoring just one try in the second half.

Loose forward Laiman was at the fore and earned the player of the day award for his efforts, while Hunia Kingi and Tyler Faoui were impressive.

"We went back to using our basic structures, completing our sets and putting pressure on the defence.

"It took us to the last ten minutes to win the game," Marist coach Chris Langley said.

He was very complimentary of the youthful Takahiwai team, and said they had a lot of depth among the many new faces and said their coach Shane Hool was very committed to his team.

"It's still early days, but I would expect Takahiwai to start showing their true form a little later in the season. By round seven or eight, you will start to see who is going to be there at the end," Langley added.

In other matches, Hikurangi Stags steam-rolled over a depleted Kaikohe Lions, thrashing them 94-12, while the Tigers defeated the Pioneers 46-40 in a much closer match and Hora Hora drew with City 34-34.

Portland defaulted to Wairoa, and Bay Slayers had the bye.