Stags hurtle home

The Hikurangi Stags have romped into the 2011 Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League Competition this year, whitewashing Marist 84-16 in round two, following a solid win over Wairoa last weekend.
It's early days but there is a quiet confidence about the side, which fell at the final hurdle last season, losing 38-28 to Kaikohe Lions in the grand final at Jubilee Park.
"It was a shock - but we are over that now and are looking ahead. We want to be playing finals footy again but push that bit further this season," Stags coach Joe Rau said. He has retained the core of last year's side, which means he can field a young and an enthusiastic team with a mix of experience thrown in - including last year's Northern Swords Jordan Rau, Innocent Tuimavave and Caleb Henare.
The Stags have re-recruited Jack Walker - who retired from playing rugby at Marist, but has now returned to league. He started at Marist and Hikurangi league clubs many years ago before switching to rugby, Rau said. Walker is injured, but will return at halfback. Experienced Jarom Wihongi and Darren Henare are also back.
While they still have plenty to polish up, the Stags worked quickly to sort out the young Marist contingent at Otaika Sports Ground on Saturday.
The Chris Langley coached Marist side started well and caught the Stags off guard to run in two first-half tries. Standoff Manu Watkins, making his premier-grade debut, crossed the chalk along with loose forward Mike Laimon. Watkins ran in his second try during a long second half, despite a torrent of tries from a relentless and powerful attacking Stags team.
For the Stags, second rower Henare was outstanding, claiming four tries while fullback Rau, centre Tuimavave and winger Nopera Tereti ran in a couple of tries apiece to amp up their formidable final score. Meanwhile, another ex-rugby union player, Kaitaia prop Beau Curtis was an intimidating, menacing tackler.
Rau commended the young Marist side, which returned to the competition for the first time since 2008.
"They played well ... they are a lot younger than us - they will be a good team for the future," he said.
At Okaihau, Hokianga Pioneers continued their winning start to the season with a comfortable 50-16 win over Otaua. Hokianga were up 30-0 at the break, but Otaua fought back hard during the second 40 to rein their hosts in a bit.
Portland Panthers had their second win on the trot, defeating visitors Wairoa Bulls 44-28, while Kaikohe Lions came back from last weekend's upset loss to Hokianga, to defeat Moerewa Tigers 62-34 at Simpson Park.
Takahiwai also turned their luck around after last weekend's loss to Portland, and battled out a tough game to overcome the strong City forwards and snatch a satisfying 42- 20 win at home. Bay Slayers had the bye this weekend.