Takahiwai score late to snatch a vital win

The recent decision to shorten the Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League Competition to fit in with the National Premier Zonal Competition schedule created an on-field urgency during round 14 as teams battled to make the top four. 
Whangarei Rugby League agreed to cut the final two rounds (17 and 18) from the club season, as well as the semifinal, which was scheduled for September 11, bringing the grand final at Jubilee Park forward to August 28. That same weekend, the new national competition kicks off, but Northern Zone  have a bye.
The top qualifier will play the fourth-placed qualifier while two plays three, and the two winners will progress straight to the grand final.
Moerewa and Kaikohe are tied for first on the table, with Takahiwai, Hikurangi and City Knights on equal points for third making for some exciting football  on Saturday, in the third-to-last round before playoffs.
A win was crucial for Hokianga  who were sixth before Saturday's game, at Takahiwai.
It was always going to be tough to beat Takahiwai at home, and the task got harder when Hokianga loose forward Sonny Barber broke his arm in a tackle during the opening five minutes.
"It was a big loss for the team - he has been one of our best players all year," Hokianga manager Rob Marsh said.
Barber was replaced by Dale Campbell, and taking advantage of the visitors' upheaval, Takahiwai ran in a try to get an early lead.
Hokianga's Shannon Haare replied, dotting the ball down twice from dummy half, to help his side get out to a 20-6 lead in the first half. Takahiwai closed the gap, however, scoring a try right on halftime.
The hosts closed the gap even more in the second half as they found momentum, but Hokianga held on to their shrinking lead until the final minute of the game, when Takahiwai scored a try to claim a 26-22 victory and the two points.
"Takahiwai just kept coming back at us. We had our opportunities and at one stage were right on the line for 10 minutes, but we just couldn't get through their defensive line. Both teams needed the win, which resulted in a really close game - I guess league was the winner," Marsh said. The physical match left its mark in the Pioneers, sidelining not only Barber but also centre Jarlal Beckham, who broke his collar bone.
In other matches, Bay Slayers caused a bit of a stir on their home turf when they upset frontrunners Moerewa, defeating them 22-14.
At Portland, after leading 10-16 at halftime, City Knights went on to beat Portland 33-40 while Hikurangi had a win at home over Wairoa, as did Kaikohe, who beat Otaua 32-14.
 Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League Competition table standings after round 14.
Moerewa 22, Kaikohe 22, Takahiwai 18, Hikurangi 18, City Knights 18, Hokianga 14, Bay Slayers 14, Portland 12, Wairoa 2, Otaua 0.