Hat-trick tries to Charles Selford and Jason Hita helped Portland Panthers keep their season on track by defeating City Knights 54-10 at Jubilee Park.
The hooker proved how vital he is to the Panther's attack this season, while Hita was rewarded for showing the maturity and skill the captain brings tothe game every week.
It was a team effort that swamped the Knights, with coach Craig Bird particularly pleased with the team's second half effort.
"I asked them at half-time to keep the Knights scoreless and they did which makes better for us going into a week off ... so we can refocus next week on our individual and team goals," he said.
The Easter break will give the Panthers a chance to refocus and to get over a few niggling injuries. Bird was also pleased to see brothers Alex and Michael Salase returning to Portland and playing so well against their last year's team mates at the Knights.
Young wing Shariss Mangu was also outstanding for the Panthers. Clayton Williams was the Knights' standout, scoring one try while Robbie Rollo scored the other.
The Bay Slayers proved their championship credentials by walloping the under-strength Kaikohe Lions 42-14.
The Lions started with just 13 players and their numbers inched up to 14 before half-time before injuries hit the undermanned side. The Slayers were too classy as the match wore on: the result shows they are a team to beat this year.
Hikurangi Stags romped through Takahiwai, 38-8, while Northern Wairoa Bulls thrashed Marist 80-0. In a round of one-sided results, Moerewa Tigers stomped Otaua, 48-10, while Hokianga had the bye.
