Warriors still searching for win after Bulls draw

Takahiwai Warriors at times seemed as spooked by Wairoa Bulls as the cows in the paddock next door when lightning and thunder clapped during their Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League clash.
It was wet and muddy affair at Takahiwai, and the home side were in need of a win following three consecutive losses in the second round.
The Bulls came out charging and scored early in the first half. Takahiwai replied with two unconverted tries but the Bulls dug deep to draw even with their hosts by the halfway mark.
During the second stanza both sides had plenty of opportunities to score but a step-up in defence on both ends of the paddock and too many handling errors made points hard to come by.
The Bulls pulled ahead thanks to a penalty kick by skipper Trident Ratu, who led his team by example with a huge 80-minute effort. But Craig Heta, back for the first time since injuring his knee against Hikurangi in the first round, along with fellow winger Kane Agotau, was relentless in his attack and after minutes of battling the Bulls' defence, he broke through to crash over the line.
Takahiwai took the lead briefly but Wairoa evened the score again with 10 minutes remaining.
Both teams prevented more points from being scored despite several close calls, ending the game with an 18-18 draw.
While Wairoa celebrated their achievement against last year's premiers, Takahiwai's hooker Damian Murray said the draw was unsatisfactory.
"Wairoa played really well and they played much better than we did," he said.
"They wanted the win more than us."
Since losing their two halves - Nick Godfrey to injury and O'Shea Williams - in the second round it had been a struggle to get the team working cohesively, Murray said.
"We're missing something - I'm not sure what it is but we need to find it soon - it's getting close on the ladder.
"It's unpredictable in this round and the competition is much harder than last year when you knew who would make the top four. This year it's anyone's guess."
With only three weeks until the playoffs, a few feathers were ruffled when seventh-placed Bay Slayers overcame Portland, who were second equal (with Takahiwai) heading into their round 11 clash at Okaiwei Park.
The hosts were back to full-strength after missing several players for their match with Hikurangi last week, and led 12-4 at the halfway mark, managing a try despite missing prop Maare Katane who was sin-binned 10 minutes for a head high tackle.
Bay Slayers went on to win 36-22.
Hikurangi made their intentions clear at home in the lead-up to the semis, defeating table leaders Moerewa 30-20 in a very physical clash.
Meanwhile Kaikohe won by default to City Knights due to a mix-up with game times.
Moerewa maintain their lead, one point ahead of Takahiwai in second and Portland in third.
Hikurangi sit in fourth, while Kaikohe and Wairoa are chasing a top four spot on 10 and nine points respectively.
Bay Slayers remain in seventh spot with City Knights in eighth.