The Kia Toa Tigers are the minor premiers of the ORL competition after their 36-6 victory over University on Saturday.
The win was retribution for the Tigers, who lost 52-16 to University early in the season.
From the early stages it became clear they had the ascendancy. They were able to force repeat defensive sets upon University by pressuring the defence into making mistakes.
Kite Moataane put in a man-of-the-match performance, taking the ball into the line regularly to lay the platform and then fronting up on defence.
Taua Piri took ownership of the side in the absence of usual halves partner Vila Apuula. He ensured the Tigers utilised their attacking options out wide, especially on their right edge.
Joely Penese was key to success there, busting through tackles and linking up with his outside players to keep the ball alive, resulting in multiple tries.
University did its best to stay in the contest, and hooker James Devoe - who scored its only try - embodied its determination with his immense workload and strong hits.
The South Pacific Raiders came away with a tight win, edging the East Coast Eagles 24-22 in a physical encounter.
The return of Sam Johnstone was crucial for the Eagles. In his first game back after serious concussion, Johnstone scored two tries, tackled well, and controlled the ruck area expertly.
Cameron Brown and Terrence Reid were also standouts for the Eagles, taking some hard carries and creating attacking opportunities for their support runners.
Steven Campbell-Paniona put in an impressive performance and turned the tide for the Raiders. After having their defence tested by repeat sets of Eagles attacks, Campbell-Paniona burst through the line with ball in hand to score a breakaway try that lifted the Raiders' spirits.
Kale Fruean did a lot of work in the middle of the field with some strong shots on the opposition ball runners.
These efforts were perhaps the difference between the two sides and in trying conditions, it was the Raiders who made the most of their chances to finish in front.
