League: Pioneers hope to continue

Hokianga Pioneers are beginning to think of themselves as a lucky side after winning two "squeaky" games in a row and want their good fortune to hold for another week so they can finish the first round in second spot.

The Pioneers host Hora Hora on Saturday hoping for the best but taking nothing for granted in what manager Rob Marsh recognises is a vastly improved Whangarei and Districts Rugby League competition.

"Hora Hora have been a bit up and down but as a new team this year they've done pretty well with a few wins so we won't be taking them lightly - especially after bottom-placed Otaua nearly beat us," he said.

Two rounds ago they underestimated winless Otaua and nearly paid the price with only a forward pass costing the visitors a winning try on the last play of the game.

Perhaps with that near miss still on their mind and missing five of their regular team, Hokianga played a top game on the weekend, holding out a strong Wairoa Bulls side 28-26 in Dargaville.

Despite boasting a slim plus one points differential Marsh and his brother Phil, who coaches the side, are pleased with the teams' performances in the first round.

"We've got a great mix of experience and youth among the nucleus of our players and we've got depth as well - we've got a big squad, some of them just fill in when we're short and that's what's getting us through the tight ones," he said.

Marsh said they made the mistake of not taking their top side to play Hikurangi and they will plan their second round encounter more carefully.

"Hikurangi seems to be one step above everybody else, in terms of results anyway," he said.

There are four games this weekend to complete the first round. The other matches all feature home teams coming off losses and trying to finish the round on a positive note.

The Bay Slayers host the Muriwhenua Falcons, while the Wairoa Bulls host Marist and City Knights line up against a Kaikohe side that beat Hora Hora on the road last week.