The top dogs Akarana were knocked off their perch by Counties on the weekend in a 32-22 rough and tumble match.
After getting their first game jitters out of the way, the Stingrays have shown they’re a force to be reckoned with forcing the Falcons to accumulate a staggering penalty count over the 80 minute encounter.
Akarana will take on Canterbury next week who have picked up two wins in as many weeks, beating Waikato convincingly 52-6.
However, the game of the weekend would have to have been Otago’s two point win over Wellington (38-36).
All teams will be looking to put their best foot forward for this weekend ahead of next week’s grand-final on Saturday, 6 October.
National Premiership
Counties 36 Akarana 22
Canterbury 52 Waikato 6
National Championship
Otago 38 Wellington 36
Northern BYE
Fixtures this weekend:
Canterbury v Akarana
2pm, Saturday 29 September
AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Waikato v Counties
4pm, Sunday 30 September
FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Otago v Northern
4.15pm, Saturday 29 September
Northern Ground, Dunedin
