Gallant Waikato fall short of upset over defending champions Akarana Falcons AARON GOILEJOHN COWPLAND/PHOTOSPORT Salafuauli Falelua-Malio seals victory for the Akarana Falcons over a gutsy Waikato side in their national premiership match in Hamilton on Sunday. It was one heck of a conspicuous return to the top flight of domestic rugby league, but Waikato ended up falling just short of causing a massive upset in the opening round of the national premiership on Sunday. READ MORE: Waikato rapt to be backBut, after settling into their rhythm, the home side then ripped into their work in a big way, putting on four tries in a splendid 20 minutes. However, Izic Placid - who had landed three superb sideline goals - struck the upright with a hastily taken conversion. AT A GLANCEAt Hamilton: Akarana Falcons 36 (Zac Tippins 2, Jordan Tuarae, Polima Siaki, Francis Leger, Fatani Manukia, Salafuauli Falelua-Malio tries; Zion Ioka 2 goals, Francis Leger 2 goals) Waikato 28 (Tamainu Huirama 2, Aaron Jolley 2, Hayden Karena tries; Aaron Jolley 4 goals).

Source: Stuff September 17, 2017 06:22 UTC