There is now a clear Top 2 of the WRFU Women’s competition as Byfords Construction Taihape looks to entrench their position when they head to Marton Park on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, there will be a rematch of last year’s thrilling final at Cooks Gardens on Friday night, except this time both teams are at very different phases of their journey.

Coming off the bye, undefeated AGC Marist Clovers (4-0) play their first game of the second round against a hurting Speedy Signs Kaierau (1-4) on Friday at 5.30pm at Cooks.

Kaierau had hoped to tip up Taihape(4-1) in their second meeting, now that it was back home at the Country Club last Friday night, but the visitors showed good character to secure a 34-24 victory.

Taihape will now travel again to meet the Marton Queenbeez (0-5), who also hosted Silks Audit Rātana (3-2) last Saturday morning at Marton Park.

As a fixture between the two Rangitikei sides that have great fondness for each other, just like in the Pa previously, Rātana were comfortable winners, by 54-10.

However, the biggest cheers were reserved for the Queenbeez, who scored two tries for the first time this season.

Marist will be keeping an eye on Taihape and potentially Rātana as potential championship playoff
contenders, but it would be unwise to sleep on Kaierau, who hung in there with them at the Country Club on April 19 th before getting overrun 39-27 at the finish.

Marton vs Taihape will kickoff at 12pm on Saturday.

By Jared Smith