Pioneers put Bulls out to pasture

Hokianga Pioneers 40 Northern Wairoa Bulls 20 (ht 24-4): Hokianga came roaring out of the gates to establish their domination over the Bulls in the first of the two RLN MultiKai Cooker Premiership minor semi-finals at Toll Stadium on Sunday. With the win, the Pioneers progress to meet Hikurangi Stags in the major semi-finals this coming Saturday.

Hokianga spokesman Rob Marsh said the Pioneers finally took their foot off the Bulls' throats once the result was secured with the score at 40-4, made some changes and rested various key players, which allowed the Bulls to come back in the last quarter and restore some respectability to the final scoreline.

Hokianga tries by Wiremu Te Rangi 3, Te Wairongoa Tohu 2, Richard Koroi, Ben Leaaetala and Fetu Matenga. However, the day's MVP was reserved for captain Richard Koroi, who delivered a commanding performance and had a hand in all eight tries.

"The last pass or making the break. Unbelievable! Everything he did turned to gold," said Marsh before adding laughing, "except for the first pass thrown at him which he dropped!" Marsh's comments on Koroi's finals form were echoed in the press release from Toni Haldane on behalf of Rugby League Northland.

"Cometh the hour cometh the man, and come the 15th minute Hokianga Pioneers standoff Richard Koroi sprang into action. The Bulls defence line could only stand and watch as Koroi, time after time, took on their line, creating tries in the 15th, 22nd, 25th and 36th minute ... Koroi again instrumental in the second spell where his partnership with Wiremu Snowden-Te Iringa was lethal."

Marsh, meanwhile, went on to note Hikurangi would have been there watching the Pioneers' performance and will likely already be planning to target Koroi for special attention when the two sides meet this weekend.

Elsewhere, Otangarei Knights 24 Portland Panthers 16: Otangarei now advance to play minor prems Takahiwai Warriors in the major semi-finals next Saturday.

Elsewhere in her report from the day's double bill, Toni Haldane noted a healthy crowd turned up to Toll Stadium to watch the first week of the RLN MultiKai Cooker Premiership finals series.

"Someone must have spoken to the weather gods, as the morning threatened with numerous downpours. However, come 12pm, the sun broke through and was a partner in the entertainment for the rest of the day."

The two major semi-finals taking place back at Toll Stadium this Saturday pit Hokianga (the only Far North side remaining) against Hikurangi (2011, '12 and '13 champions) at 1pm, and Otangarei against Takahiwai (2014 minor prems) at 3pm.