League: Takahiwai Warriors earn a week off

Two late tries to Takahiwai has boosted them to second in the Rugby League Northland Premiership, securing them a much needed weekend off next week.

Takahiwai's 36-22 win over Hikurangi is flattering, says Takahiwai coach Shane Hool who believes it is not a reflection of how tight the tussle really was.

"It was pretty much a game of chess out there, negating each other out," Hool explained. "They play a pretty similar game to us, they're pretty structured."

Hool noted a key point in the match was the sin-binning of Hikurangi coach Joe Rau, for a high tackle.

However, Hool added that it was not the one-man advantage which made the difference to his boys.

"He wasn't on there [the field] directing. We scored one try while he was off, but it was more that his team went off [the boil] because there was no one directing.

"[Whereas] our team went to plan and did really well sticking to the game plan."

The win means Takahiwai won't need to travel to Kaikohe next week and play-off in the minor semi-finals, giving their captain an extra week to recover from a hamstring injury.

Hool said stand-in captain Hori Tuhoro stepped up to fill the gap, with prop Naphtali Pumipi and halfback Cole Tarau also standing out.

In other Rugby League Premiership results; Muriwhenua beat Otaua 38-26, City easily won against Hora Hora by 68-16, Hokianga were victors over Kerikeri 48-4.

The results mean Moerewa claim the Minor Premiership.

Semi-final action at Lindvart Park, Kaikohe, July 27.

Hikurangi vs. Northern Wairoa, 1pm.

Hokianga vs. City, 3pm.