Pirates only just kept the shield in their Saturday game at Spriggens Park as Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau first five Shandon Scott kicked a late penalty to force a 19-19 stalemate.
The shield holders had a narrow 12-8 lead at halftime, ultimately scoring three tries to two with fullback Junior Ainea getting a double, however Kaierau scored tries in each half and Scott added three key penalties to keep his side in touch.
Pirates still stay in the Top 4 as Waverley Harvesting Border made a big turnaround since losing the shield last weekend, comfortably beating a travelling PGG Wrightson-Ballance Taihape 39-11 at Dallison Park.
Having reinforced with tryscoring winger Harry Symes back from Hurricanes Under 20 duties and prop Kamipeli Latu bringing muscle back to the front row, Border pulled away with 21 unanswered points in the second half, with Taihape likely to a little threadbare for the long trip on Easter Weekend.
Taihape's own returning Hurricanes Under 20 player Dylan Gallien scored their try, while Border ensured the transition of 2016 championship winning coach Ross Williams back into the role for Justin Lock was a smooth one.
Border and Pirates still trail Ruapehu who have rocketed up into second and have a massive for-against record that could work to their advantage late in the season if the points table is close, as their 90-point thrashing of Ngamatapouri saw all the tryscorers get multiple five-pointers.
In Senior rugby, Kelso Hunterville kicked the round off early with a successful promotion on Thursday night, as they defeated Celtic 19-6 under lights in front of a good home crowd.
Hunterville and Celtic freeing up their players for a full Easter Weekend likely proved a virtue as fellow country clubs Ruapehu and Taihape both disappointedly defaulted their Saturday games.
Ruapehu's Premiers needed some extra Senior players for the long journey up the Waitotara Valley, after they were originally scheduled to have the bye weekend and some squad members had made plans, while Taihape Seniors missed out on their chance at the Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield.
Border receiving an automatic five points moved them up the top of the table, but previous leader Counties continues to impress as they defeated Utiku Old Boys 20-10 at McNab Domain – beating a side that still has several Premier-quality players.
Kaierau picked up their first win of the season by holding off Pirates 15-12 at Spriggens Park – a confidence boost heading into their shield challenge to Border this coming Saturday.
Results, March 29-31
Tasman Tanning Premier, Round 2
Grand Hotel Challenge Shield: Black Bull Liquor Pirates 19 (Junior Ainea 2, Meki Magele tries; Soonalote Tauialoto 2 con) drew with Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau 19 (Alex Mulipola, Karl Pascoe tries; Shandon Scott 3 pen). HT: 12-8 Pirates.
Waverley Harvesting Border 39 (Harry Symes, Kamipeli Latu, Dylan Pearce, Tom Matthews, Tyler Rogers-Holden tries; Nick Harding 2 pen, 4 con) bt PGG Wrightson-Ballance Taihape 11 (Dylan Gallien try, Dane Whale 2 pen). HT: 18-11.
McCarthy Transport Ruapehu 95 (Troy Brown 4, Shaquille Waara 3, Jamie Hughes 2, Campbell Hart 2, Jack Kinder 2, Kahl Elers-Green 2 tries; Mitchell Millar 10 con) bt Settlers Honey Ngamatapouri 5 (Sheldon Pakinga-Mahine try). HT: 43-5.
Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist 36 (Cameron Crowley, Ryan Gill, Josiah Bogileka, Jack Yarrall, Sam Monaghan tries; Monaghan pen, 4 con) bt Harvey Round Motors Ratana 17 (Mikaera Penetito, Taylor Kirkwood, Viliame Kuruyabaki tries; Arahi Hawira con). HT: 21-7.
Senior Championship, Round 3
At Spriggens Park: Kaierau bt Pirates 15-12. HT: 5-5.
At McNab Domain: Counties bt Utiku OB 20-10. HT: 14-5.
At Marton Park: Speirs Food Marton bt Ruapehu by default.
At Dallison Park (Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield): Border bt Taihape by default.
At Hunterville: Kelso Hunterville bt Celtic 19-6. HT: 5-3.
Bye: Buffalo's.
