Hikurangi's Stags survived a spirited Portland Panthers unit to come out on top 40-26 in their Rugby League Northland Premiership clash.
Stags coach Joe Rau admitted it was a fierce and physical match up, which saw his side come together as a team when it counted.
"[There weren't any particularstandouts], for us it was just good to get a good team performance in, which I think is good for us [and especially] against a team like Portland.
"It was a very hard game for us. There are a little bit of sore bodies but everything is good from our side of the fence."
Rau said Steve Rau and Moses Cooper led by example.
"They're leaders in our pack, so they definitely play well for us. It's important because we identify them as leaders, and when you are a leader [it is key that] they perform, and others look up to them and hopefully try to play like them."
Rau said it was a perfect warm-up for next week's clash against Takahiwai as both teams will be battling it out for second place, which secures one side a rest in the lead up to the semifinals.
"They're our kind of our arch rivals so it's always a good game between us."
In other Northland Premiership results, Moerewa got up over Muriwhenua 34-14, Otaua pipped Kerikeri 28-26, Takahiwai beat Hora Hora 42-16, and Citybeat Northern Wairoa 39-26.
