It's one down, one to go for Pikiao Warriors when they take on Central Lions in Round 2 of the Bay of Plenty Districts League premier competition tomorrow.
The Warriors had a hard fought 34-20 win over their Rotorua rivals the Ngongotaha Chiefs last weekend. Tomorrow they take on the Lions at Puketawhero Park in a match which promises to be a clash of the opposites.
Pikiao have struggled for numbers leading up to the start of the competition, but its been the opposite for Central.
It has meant Pikiao coach Selwyn Rikiti has had to call on the old guard to prop his side up, with the likes of captain Jason Kameta having to come out of retirement to help boost numbers.
Despite this Rikiti was happy with how his team performed against a fired up Ngongotaha.
Although Central grabbed a win last weekend against Taupo Phoenix. It wasn't all that convincing with last year's cellar dwellers pushing the Lions, who scraped past with a 36-32 win.
Ngongotaha have another big hurdle to over come this weekend, when they travel to Grenada Park to take on Tauranga Whalers. The Whalers were out muscled 48-20 by Pacific Sharks and will be looking to make amends for last weekend's performance. However, Ngongotaha showed against the Warriors they lay down for no-one and will be keen to come away with the win.
Otumoetai Eels had a good start to the season with a 48-18 win over the Forestland Falcons but have a fired up Sharks at Mitchell Park.
Meanwhile, in the premier reserves Pikiao will get their first run of the season when they take on Central at Puketawhero Park. Pikiao were winners by default over Ngongotaha and will be confident of grabbing another win after Central were mauled by Taupo 40-30. Otumoetai reserves will need to pick their game up if they are to have any chance against Pacific. Otumoetai were thumped 44-18 by Forestland, while Pacific smashed Tauranga 50-16.
The match of the round would have to be Forestland against Taupo in Tokoroa. Both sides had good wins and will be determined to continue that winning form.
Mangakino host a confident Reporoa side who had a big 26-8 win over Putaruru, while Turangi will travel to Putaruru.
Draw
Premier (All games kick off at 2.30pm):
Pikiao v Central, Puketawhero Park; Otumoetai v Pacific, Mitchell Park; Forestland v Taupo, Tokoroa; Tauranga v Ngongotaha, Grenada Park.
Premier reserves (All games kick off at 1pm):
Pikiao v Central, Puketawhero Park; Tauranga v Pacific, Grenada Park; Forestland v Otumoetai, Tokoroa; Central v Taupo, Puketawhero Park; Mangakino v Turangi, Mangakino; Reporoa v Putaruru, Reporoa.