The homeside scored first, Hauraki Harrison diving on a lost ball in the goal line which was converted, just, by the ever-impressive Miha Te Ureti in particularly difficult conditions for kicking (although he fluffed a penalty later in the half which could have made a major difference).
In the second half, Rarawa's superior fitness saw the visitors gain a foothold and an upper hand. Motukohu soaked up the pressure but Rarawa captain Tom Rogers, who had led by example all day - one chip, chase and catch he pulled off was sheer class - was relentless. Eventually one of his many bursting runs allowed his fellow forwards to push him over for the try with 10 minutes on the clock. Lance Matiu did well to nail the pressure kick conversion in the thick muck and draw the score even and that's how it finished.
Motukohu coach Andrew Henry was a tad resigned about the result, adding his team did well enough to hold the champions to a draw considering the number unavailable for the usual reasons (eg injury, work commitments, etc), adding his loose forwards were the standouts.
Meanwhile, a supporter, Frank Matthews, perhaps best summed the homeside mood by assuring that, regardless of the outcome, "Motukohu will be in the finals."
For Rarawa, a draw could only be regarded as lost ground in the chase to regain top spot. The match was reffed by Colin Dawson. Also notable was a charming "there's-nothing-wrong-with-the-field" style of optimism - or perhaps it's denial - expressed by the Kohukohu community.
Rarawa were trying to get next week's match against Kaitaia played under lights at Ahipara on Friday but it seems unlikely Kaitaia will accept.
Ngati Kuri 20 Kaitaia 24 (20-12): The table-leaders continued their momentum with a narrow away win over a Ngati Kuri unit which has proved very hard to beat at home in Te Hapua this year; although having Rarawa and Motukohu cancel each other out in Kohukohu didn't hurt either.
Ngati Kuri manager Dwayne Golley paid tribute to both sides for the manner in which the match was played but felt an opportunity went begging to take out the competition pace setters.
"We should have lost. Boys played well, no, both teams played well, showed good sportsmanship. Good game." Tries by Tristan Golley 2 and Siebert Ropihia - both earning player-of-the-day commendations - with first five Jordan Brown kicking a centre and a penalty.
Kaitaia coach Joe Pomare said the game could have gone either way, "Ngati Kuri gave it to us early," but was glad to see the gruelling fitness workouts he's been putting his players through at training recently paying off, particularly in the last 15 minutes when the bonus point win was secured. Tries by captain Derek Ashley (the openside also earning the forward POTD award), Shane Nightingale, Logan Harrison, Jordan Karena (first five given the back POTD). Also notable, fullback Fabian Henry (overall POTD) and Benson Kingi off the bench.
Aupouri 13 Awanui Waipap 18 (10-3): 13-all at Te Kao before the visitors scored in the very last minute of the game. Aupouri spokesman John Pereira said it was a good game but the result could have gone either way.
"Exciting game, except that final play got them the win." Tries by Willie Nelesini (the 2nd five earning overall POTD) and wing Zephyr Hetaraka with Zane Kaaka kicking a penalty. Also standing out were No.8 Joe Oneroa and blindside Jesse Adams. No comment available from Awanui Waipap.
Eastern 22 Ngaru Roa 7 (ht 10-7): Having cemented second place on the standings, Eastern coach Mike Jurlina said the final score was not a true indication and if Ngaru Roa's discipline had been better, the result could have been even closer.
"We got a bit of a lead on them and held it," said Jurlina, adding the visitors certainly made sure their presence was felt with a lot of bruised players afterwards.
"I can see them [Ngaru Roa] causing a few upsets in the second round.
"All the same, I'm rapt with the way our guys are bringing stuff from training to the field on Saturdays, and learning how to win when things are tight. There's even competition for positions now." Eastern tries: Tyrone Robinson (plus 2 conv and a pen), Garrett Henderson, Josh Robson; while standouts included solid midfield backs Leon Albert and Kodie Petersen, halfback Jackson Tait and off-the-bench props Dillon Greaves and Motu Trego.
Ngaru Roa coach Tony Cook held no illusions about Eastern's resilience, particularly on home soil. "It was a good game, a very hard game. Our forwards went really well, and we defended well in the last 15 minutes. I was happy about that. Eastern? Underestimate them at your peril." Ngaru Roa try by Stanley Dunn converted by Ambro Adams; with Dunn, the No.8, a standout for the visitors beside Chase Herbert.
Standings after 8 rounds: Kaitaia (for/against 244/157) 32 points, Eastern (180/93) 28, Te Rarawa (157/80) 22, Motukohu (132/157) 20, Awanui Waipap (121/185) 17, Ngati Kuri (176/214) 14, Aupouri (71/213) 10, Ngaru Roa (110/182) 10.
