Cobras keep edge on Boxon

They have been their nemesis all year and the Linton Cobras stayed one step ahead of Whanganui Boxon in the second round of the Western Alliance Premiership on Saturday.

Having previously beaten Boxon 32-22 and 18-10 during the MRL rugby league competition, the Cobras won 20-12 at Springvale Park to confirm they will play the final against the likewise unbeaten Coastal Cobras of Taranaki, who won 32-20 over the Waitara Bears.

Both Cobra teams will meet at the Army camp this weekend in the last round-robin games before the July 16 finals day, while the Boxon will host the Bears at Springvale.

Boxon and the Bears will then meet again in playoff for third and fourth, with the venue likely to be decided by who wins this week.

On Saturday, the scores were locked at 8-8 coming out of halftime, but Linton would score twice in the second-half through replacement centre Caleb Riddick, who had been in the team initially to cover hooker.

Boxon's tryscorers were winger Lenny Matapuku, adding to his growing tally, and hooker Tane Raupita, while Haze Reweti contributed a conversion and penalty in the first half.

"The ball just didn't go our way, we didn't take our chances," said Boxon chairman Craig Campbell.

Campbell said the match was a little stop-start thanks to the official.

"Both teams were getting frustrated with the ref.

"[Woody Martin] was talking to the ref and not getting any explanation, it was the same on the other side too."

As captain, Martin had a good match and tackled all day, while centre Tautahi Rawiri was another standout.

The Linton forwards laid the platform for their success, with props Eruera Wirihana and Codie Christensen being strong, along with second rower Solomua Falemai.