POWERFUL DISPLAY: Waikite's Luka Connor (ball in hand) and her side clinch back-to-back wins after beating Arataki on the weekend. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
POWERFUL DISPLAY: Waikite's Luka Connor (ball in hand) and her side clinch back-to-back wins after beating Arataki on the weekend. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Waikite have continued their impressive season opening form beating Arataki 69-5 at home in their second game of the Baywide Premier competition.
The reigning champions were given a scare early on, falling behind after Arataki's forward pack pushed over for the opening try on Sunday.
However Waikite responded strongly andin amongst the try scorers pacey back Autumn-Rain Stephens slid over for an impressive four tries, and Animei Skudder for three.
Captain Eliza Stephens was happy with the performance and picked out Chevy-Lee Crean, 20, playing in the outside flanker as the player of the day.
"We were just getting the feel of the game in the opening 15 minutes and it caught us off guard when they pushed over for the first try," said Stephens.
"At the moment we are trying to find out what players' best positions are so we had a couple of new girls in the pack.
"Chevy-Lee really stood out for me, because it was her first game in that position and she had a great game.
"In the second half we took control of the game, made some changes and ended up scoring just over 50 points. Autumn was extremely dangerous and her speed and penetration into the line really paid off."
Props Jania Khan and Bobbin Tekoi also impressed playing out the full 80 minutes. The emphatic result leaves Waikite at the top-of-the-table on 10 points, after also winning their season opener in style - demolishing Rotoiti 61-5.
Stephens is confident of winning their third game in a row over next weekend's opponents Te Whanau Apanui but is wary of "difficult" opposition after that.
"Apanui aren't doing too well at the moment so of course we aim for a good win," she said.
"But the real test will be facing the likes of Waimana and Rangiuru. That's when we really expect to be tested.
"That's why at the start of the season we have been working out what combinations are best for us and where players are most effective against weaker sides.
"It's pleasing because we have great diversity in the team and great utility players. I'm sure we will be ready when the real challenges of the season kick in."
