LEAGUE - Storm in danger after loss

A 62-12 loss to Waitakere saw the Northern Storm stretch their losing streak to seven games in the Bartercard Cup competition yesterday, putting them in real danger of landing this season's wooden spoon.
Storm coach Phil Marsh said the team were unable to hold on to the ball long enough to do much damage against Waitakere but some committed defence held the home side out for the majority of the game.
The Storm scored a good try to Jardin Hohepa to narrow Waitakere's lead to just six points (12-18) 10 minutes after halftime but that was the last time the game went their way.
"When we got close we got a bit silly with the football and got carried away in very difficult conditions and they played well in the final 30 minutes," Marsh said.
The Storm suffered from late withdrawals for the second week in a row, with captain Conrad King and replacement halfback Anthony Clyde forced to pull out with family commitments.
The Storm now have two crucial matches in the next three rounds against the two teams trailing them in the competition. They play Central Falcons away next weekend and then host Counties-Manukau Jetz on July 22, with a win in either match probably good enough to keep the Storm off the bottom of the table.
Hikurangi moved into second place in the Whangarei and Districts Rugby League table on Saturday after demolishing a demoralised and under-strength Marist outfit 82-7 at Otaika Park.
Marist were still feeling the effects of losing three of their players to suspension after a midweek ruling from the WDL judicial committee. The home side played with 12 players and a one-man bench and were quickly on the backfoot against an impressive looking Hikurangi outfit with a full bench.
Former Marist player Joe Rau claimed a first half hat-trick as Hikurangi found gaps almost at will.
Moerewa almost caused the upset of the round, pushing leaders Takahiwai hard during their match but eventually coming up just short at 28-30.
Kaikohe were too strong across the park for Northern Wairoa, thrashing them 62-16. Veteran Ken Paki was outstanding for Kaikohe and halfback Pacer Bedggood also contributed well in a good team performance that ended a three-game losing streak for the former competition frontrunners.