Ruapehu fought hard, but Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau secured their mathematically tenuous position on the Division 1 points table after pulling away for a 51-28 win at Rochfort Park on Saturday.

Getting their first victory in over a month to move up to fourth place as they head into their bye week, Kaierau fielded a retooled and stronger-looking backline on a good weather day for running rugby and were straight into it as centre Nemia Adrole finished off a breakaway down the far touch for seven points.

The forwards then combined through the middle of the park for winger CJ Stowers to continue his outstanding campaign by scoring out wide, while another breakout from their own half by first-five Sheldon Pakinga saw winger Mitai Hemi dash away untouched.

But playing for their Division 1 spot, Ruapehu eventually got into their forwards-control style of play with a succession of ruck penalties, allowing prop Sheldon O’Hagan to eventually barge over beside the posts, fullback Jack Pettersson converting.

It sparked a Ruapehu comeback as Kaierau would get another tries from Stowers and fullback Rusiate Lalanabaravi, but the home side dotted down for seven-pointers with O’Hagan getting his double and lock Harry Rowe scoring.

Game on at 22-21 at one stage, Kaierau got to the width - just like Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist did the weekend before - and Ruapehu could no longer keep up.

From a quick tap, Adrole raced away for his double, and then, after transferring to both touchlines, the gap opened off the blindside ruck for Stowers to power through for his third hat-trick this campaign.

Never giving up, Ruapehu scored their bonus point try from centre Tahatika Te Riaki charging over in the tackle, with first-five Logan Blackburn adding the conversion.

But Kaierau would have the final say by raising the half-century, as reserve Leo Higham supported Adrole’s long run to pick up the try, and then hooker Sevanaia Vudiniabola forced a turnover and raced away to score.

Getting a lot of tries in the corners, Kaierau tried out a few goal-kickers, with conversions from Pakinga, Lalanabaravi, and second-five Apolosi Tanoa.

Marist’s month of strong results continued as they locked in second place on the table with a big 48-14 win in the Pa over Silk Audits Rātana, who mathematically are still not safe from relegation, sitting three points above Ruapehu.

No. 8 Colin Turner scored a double, while two tries were scored between the three Koro family members on the field – Kotahi, Akiwa and Te Heru Reu.

Also dotting down were lock Rongomai Mclean-Wanoa, second-five Shaun O’Leary, flanker Brandon Burberry and reserve Ratu Epeli Delasau.

In the penultimate round of Division 2, Utiku Old Boys rebounded from their collapse last weekend against Direct Connect Marist Celtic to earn a statement 34-10 win over fellow Championship-bound side Marton at Memorial Park.

There was further excitement behind them on the No2 field as upcoming Minor Championship sides Horizon Networks Taihape and Border played a classic, the hosts racing away to a massive lead but then just hanging on 33-29.

The Challenge Shield will not be contested amongst the Minor Championship group as Gemini Pepper Construction Kaierau could not lift it in their trip to face Kelso Hunterville, beaten 35-15.

Marist Celtic kept themselves in contention to lift the inaugural Peter Rowe Cup as they moved up into a tie for second place with their big 61-20 under lights at Macnab Domain on Friday.

There was a lot of cheer for the WRFU teams in the Tasman Tanning Te Awa Wahine competition, as they defeated their Manawatu opponents.

Byfords Construction Taihape locked up second place on the table by beating Kia Toa 49-26 in Central Energy Trust Arena, while Silks Audit Rātana rebounded from last week’s derby loss to AGC Marist Clovers by defeating OBM 42-12 in the Pa.

Bush continued their undefeated run with a big 85-15 home win over Rangitikei at the Sports Park, while Marist fell out of the Top 4 after a 55-20 away loss to Freyberg at Colquhoun Park.

Results, May 15-16th

Division 1

Kaierau bt Ruapehu 51-28.

Challenge Shield - Border bt Taihape 58-21.

Marist bt Rātana 48-14.

Division Two

Taihape bt Border 33-29; Utiku Old Boys bt Marton 34-10; Challenge Shield – Hunterville bt Kaierau 35-15; Marist Celtic bt Counties 61-20.

Te Awa Wahine

Bush bt Rangitikei 85-15; Taihape bt Kia Toa 38-15; Freyberg bt Marist Clovers 55-20; Rātana bt OBM 42-12.

By Jared Smith