League: Tigers fall to surprise ambush

Takahiwai were the big winners on the weekend as they upset the table-topping Moerewa Tigers 26-16 in Moerewa.

In a tight and physical first half, Takahiwai opened the scoring through winger Charles Tarau before the game was stopped for 10 minutes when Takahiwai halfback Tommy Sofala was knocked unconscious while trying to tackle the hard- running Rikki Mackey.

On the resumption of play, Moerewa scored through second rower Tieimi Ransfield which was converted by Jayden Bentley-Hape to give Moerewa a 6-4 halftime lead.

Takahiwai started the second half well with tries to fullback Hori Tuhoro and a second for Tarau, who was moved into the centres after Wallace Poutai left the field injured. Both were converted by Kyle Hool to give Takahiwai a 16-6 lead.

Moerewa then got a roll on with strong running from Ransfield and Chayse Tauranga before moving the ball wide for Jimmy Tauranga to score with a conversion by Bentley-Hape.

Hool was next to cross for Takahiwai after a jinking solo run, but was unable to convert his four-pointer.

Desperation set in for Moerewa as they went wide to Jimmy Tauranga who was rewarded with his second try in the corner, leaving Bentley-Hape a difficult shot at goal which he was unable to convert.

With 10 minutes to go, Takahiwai hooker Damion Murray was sinbinned for dissent and Moerewa charged down field only to be denied by strong goal- line defence.

The last act of the game came when second rower Mike Hauraki scored with Hool converting as the final hooter went.

Takahiwai coach Shane Hool noted it was a great team effort from his side, giving his player of the day choices to Hool, Tarau and loose forward Wiremu Te Iringa. For Moerewa, Shane Hool said the Tauranga brothers, Ransfield, TJ Williams, Simione Ata and Herewini Macgregor were standout performers.

In other matches, Muriwhenua beat Hora Hora 72-24; Portland beat Kerikeri 56-10; Hokianga won 36-28 against City; Hikurangi won by default against Otaua.

Takahiwai 26 (Charles Tarau 2 tries, Hori Tuhoro, Kyle Hool, Mike Hauraki; Hool 3 cons); Moerewa 16 (Jimmy Tauranga 2 tries, Tieimi Ransfield; Jayden Bentley-Hape 2 con).