Bulls stampede on through premiership

Bulls stampede on through premiership

Canterbury Bulls have maintained their unbeaten run towards the 2015 NZRL National Premiership final, but Counties Manukau Stingrays have had to work hard to keep their hopes alive.

The defending champions from the South Island were always in control of their road encounter against Wellington Orcas, leading 28-6 at halftime and scoring seven tries.

Goal-kicking forward James Baxendale was on target with the boot, but the visitors allowed their hosts to hold their own during the second half, with centre Joe Oti grabbed a brace of tries.

The result probably ends Wellington’s final hopes – they entered the game only a point behind the Stingrays and Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions in the battle for second spot, but now fall off the pace.

Counties seemed to be cruising home against archrivals Akarana Falcons, ahead 30-6 early in the second half, but allowed their opponents to score 22 unanswered points, before putting the game away 38-28.

Raymond Talimalie had a pair of tries for the Stingrays, while Corey Seator and Saimone Makahili matched that effort for the Falcons, who have won the title four times, but are still winless this season.

Wai-Coa-Bay were hosting Northern Swords in a late game on Saturday.

NZRL NATIONAL PREMIERSHIP
Saturday, September 26
Massey Park, Papakura
Counties Manukau Stingrays 38 (Raymond Talimalie 2, Andrew Tusiane, Kruz Tupou, Uila Aiolupo, Stedman Lefau & Sione Feao tries; Mikaere Beattie 5 goals) Akarana Falcons 28 (Corey Seator 2, Saimone Makahili 2, Faleapa Rome tres; Eko Malu 4 goals); HT: 24-6

Porirua Park, Wellington
Canterbury Bulls 40 (James Baxendale, Alexander Todd, Matt Sauni, Paradise Mann, Jonathan Lima, Tevin Rona & Danny Latu tries; Baxendale 6 goals) Wellington Orcas 18 (Joe Oti 2, Denzil Hokianga & Patrck Ahnau tries; Bronson Marino goal); HT: 28-6

ENDS

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