LEAGUE - Shaky start helps spur under-18s to victory

THE NORTHLAND under-18s rugby league team kicked off their representative programme with a 32-22 win over their counterparts from Coastline at the Takahiwai rugby league grounds on Saturday.
Northland allowed the visitors from the Bay of Plenty to take a four-point lead after starting with five incomplete sets out of six. Northland recovered to finish the half well and narrowly led 14-12 at half time.
Prop forwards Pouri Hohaia, Frank Watson and second rowers Jordan Hool and Blaze Stevens were all standouts in getting the game plan back under control.
Another poor start in the second half gave the visitors a string of penalties for a variety of infringements. It then got worse for the home team with referee Sonny Hohepa binning captain Sintel Causer for dissent, after Coastline had taken a 22-14 lead.
Vice-captain Linn Hunapo rallied the team with Curtis Tito helping to organise the side, while TJ Williams, Haylen Rodgers and Jordan Rau created opportunities for their outside backs to find gaps in Coastline's defence.
Northland will now travel to Coastline on October 4 for a return fixture, along with the Northland senior team.
Meanwhile, the under-16s also had a win beating Northcote 34-30. They led 28-16 at the break with centre Rawiri Thompson soon completing a hat-trick early in the second spell to take the score to 34-16.
Northcote rallied to narrow Northland's lead to four points at the final whistle.
Stand-outs for Northland included half-back and Warriors under-16s development player Gavin Causer, along with dynamic centres Thompson and Blake Gray. Prop forwards Setima Paraha and Luke Limbrick also worked hard while Trey Subritsky, Sean Covich , Errol Lee and Axel Rawiri impressed.
There were also matches for the under-14s, under-12s, under-10s, under-8s and under-6s against Northcote at Bream Bay College and at Ruakaka.
The Northland under-12s were exposed to some fiery talent from their visitors, who displayed quick play and clever moves. Northland invigorated the crowd with some basic footy and displayed brute force and brains on the field.
Coach Mr Penese said the players came together from many different teams and were still getting used to each others' style of play but he was proud of the way they stuck at it.
Northland led Northcote 18-12 at halftime with tries to Shelford Murray, Haupeke Brown and two to Kurt Thompson.
By fulltime they had increased their lead to 40-20. Jordan Aiono-Fatu, Chance Ruka, Cedric Carter, Shelford Murray and Hamish Pomare were the other scorers.
The under-8s showed their ability against a strong, capable Northcote side. The desire of the Northland boys showed early as they tackled their way consistently to find good field position on attack.
Continued pressure provided opportunity for Harry Larkin to score his first try from a strong line-breaking run. Larkin then scored again and just before the break, player of the day, Rivez Reihana, notched up his first try of the day after a run from inside his own half.
Good defence by Terry-Jack Smart, Bailey Bentley Hape, and Rahiri Leach, kept Northcote at bay early in the second spell and strong carries from Heremaia McKenzie and Quinton Tito allowed Paul Turner-Rau to cross for a well deserved try.
The late resurgence from Northcote saw them score three quick tries before the momentum swung back in Northland's favour to see Reihana to complete his hat-trick for the game. Northland finished winners 32-12.
Also, Kiwi tag will be kicking off at the Blue Goose Domain tomorrow night. An exhibition game will be played at 5.30pm and all clubs and schools are welcome to take part.
The summer competition begins on October 9 at Hora Hora Rugby Club from 5pm for under-14s and open men's, women's and mixed teams are welcome to enter.