Saturday 11 March 2023,

Akarana Falcons win over Waikato Mana,  28-24, after a close battle in Round 2 of the NZRL National 20s competition.

Akarana opened the scoring account with an impressive run down the right edge for Gordan-Amoroa to put Akarana in the lead. Minutes later, Leaso scored off an offload from his prop teammate down the left edge to add another four to Akarana’s scoring account.

Waikato bounced back with back-to-back tries to even the game out. A superb tries from their half-back and winger, who both forced their way through the Akarana’s defence to secure points for Waikato.

Just before the whistle, Akarana manages to secure another 4 to put them in front. Akarana led Waikato 14-8 into the sheds.

Minutes into the second stanza, Akarana continued their dominance with back-to-back tries from Captain Smith and Teleaga. Waikato wasted no time to hit back with another four from their loose forward. Still, Akarana maintained the lead, with Teleaga scoring himself a hattrick and putting Akarana further in front.

With under 10min to go, Waikato showed a glimmer of hope scoring impressive back-to-back tries to try and gain the lead.

Waikato fought until the end, but the clock was not on their side this game. The Akarana Falcons continue their winning streak ending the game 28-24 to them.