Rugby: Persistence finally pays off for Waipu

It may have taken two months, but Waipu have finally put all the positives together to come away with their first win of the season.

Waipu's 27-25 win over Hikurangi is their first win since being elevated into Northland's premier club rugby competition, capping off a strong month of performances.

Saturday's victory comes just two weeks after Waipu nearly knocked over the table-topping Mid Northern, who squeaked home 10-6 at Caledonian Park in Waipu.

Making the win even sweeter for Waipu was the premier reserve side's 15-10 win, their second of the season.

Despite the double loss, Hikurangi still sits one spot, and four points, above Waipu in the premier table. In the premier reserve table, Hikurangi sits equal on points with Waipu and ahead only by points differential.

Meanwhile, Old Boys Marist was made to pay for poor execution of field position kicks by Mid Northern in their top of the table clash at Hukerenui.

In wet and miserable conditions, Mid Northern kept the ball in hand to rumble over the advantage line time and time again, coming away with the win 33-17.

Old Boys Marist was well behind the eight-ball as Mid Northern rushed to a 21-nil half time lead, making the most of spending long periods on attack in Old Boys Marist's 22.

The halftime rev up did not do enough for Old Boys Marist as they struggled to break a staunch Mid Northern defence.

There was some concern for former Northland lock Buster Tahere after he lay motionless for about a minute after a tackle, taking any momentum out of an Old Boys Marist comeback midway through the second half.

Mid Northern's win means they go five points clear of Kamo at the top of the table.