Pioneer captain Quentin Trass makes a hit up against Levin Lions. PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
RUGBY LEAGUE
A strong second half wasn’t enough for Pioneer to get a first win of the Manawatu premier championship on Saturday.
Levin Lions looked to be cruising with a 22-6 lead at halftime in the match played at Pioneer’s Jeans St fortress.
The home side had other ideas, and fired up by a good-sized enthusiastic crowd, they scored three tries to pull within two points of the visitors at 20-22 with 10 minutes left on the clock.
With the game in the balance, the Lions lifted the intensity and finished with two late tries to win a thrilling encounter.
Pioneer have yet to register a point in the championship, involving eight teams, and being played over 10 weeks.
Their next outing is away on Saturday against Linton Cobras at Linton Military Camp.