LEAGUE - Warriors edge out Legends

The standard of rugby league in the new Northland under-16 competition is beginning to rise as the gap between the teams begins to narrow.
Takahiwai Warriors were hosts to the Kaitaia Legends on Saturday as the teams played the curtain raiser for the Takahiwai-Kaikohe Premier match and the game was a great advertisement for the game.
Last time these two teams met Kaitaia thoroughly thumped Takahiwai 50-0, but this weekend was not going to be a repeat, with Takahiwai holding out the visiting team and winning the match 20-18.
It was a nail-biter for all of the spectators. The outstanding home team performances were from hard running forwards Blake Gray and Jaylin Tupaea.
For the backs Troy Agar, Zane Johnson, Jahrome Turanga and Jesse Epiha performed extremely well with Jesse gaining player of the match due to his excellent passing and kicking game.
Not to be outdone though, Kaitaia were a well drilled and organised unit had many players that shone through, with Sean Covich, Jay Lloyd and big Michael Takai in the forwards and Te Puhi Rudolph for the backs.
Marist Brothers also played hosts to the Hikurangi Stags on Sunday at the Otaika Sports Complex with Hikurangi soundly beating their hosts 92-4.
Forwards Joshua Poasa and Kowhai Heke held their own for the home team but nowhere near enough to overcome the more experienced and powerful Stags side.
Brilliant performances from power forward Blaise Stevens and the ever-so-deceptive and consistent hooker Kane Rudolph.
Junior Rugby League Draw for Sunday May 25.-
9.30am: Field 1, Marist/Manaia U6 vs Hikurangi U6; Field 2, Takahiwai U6 vs Portland U6; Field 1, Marist/Manaia U8 vs Hikurangi U8; Field 2, Takahiwai U8 vs Portland U8. 10am: Field 1, Hikurangi U6 v Wairoa Bulls U6; Field 1: Manaia U8 v Wairoa Bulls U8; Field 2, Taka/Marist U10 v Hikurangi U10. 10.30am: Field 1, Manaia/Marist U12 v Hikurangi/Taka U12. All players up to under-12s can register and play on the day, registration starts at 9am every Sunday.
* U15 squad selected
The Northland under-15 rugby league team was selected in Moerewa on Sunday, after an encouraging turnout.
The squad will represent Northland at the national under-15 rugby league tournament hosted by Bay of Plenty from July 14 to 16.
This tournament is expected to pull in teams from most, if not all, districts including powerhouse teams such as Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Canterbury. With these types of teams competing there will be a huge interest from NRL club representatives who no doubt know what talent New Zealand has to offer.
Northland is no stranger to the NRL clubs with junior representatives such as Ryan Fish (Parramatta Eels), Sam McKendry (Penrith Panthers) and Shane Pumipi (Cronulla Sharks).
The Northland under-15 team:
Luke Tuimavave, Riki Rapana (Hikurangi). Errol Lee (Captain), Jaylen Tupaea, Jahroam Turanga, Jordan Mariner, Troy Agar, Cruz Gray, Arapeta Mua (Takahiwai). Owen Paraha, Edward Williams (Kaikohe). Blair Roberts, Rocky Beckham, Jordan McGregor, James Te Namu (Moerewa). Axle Rawiri (Vice Captain), Riki Toby, Garrod Irvine, Tikiahi Davis, William Yates (Kaitaia). Coach Jim Larkin (Kaitaia).