OBM have a game in hand after their clash with Pirates was deferred but Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union chief executive Josh Willoughby this morning said it was “highly unlikely” the game would go ahead.
He was trying to get an agreement between both teams for a date to play the game.
If it did not go ahead, each of the sides would be awarded two points, he said.
Waikohu player/coach Kelvin Smith said last weekend's tough game against YMP had affected them physically.
“We are still carrying a few niggles through the team but should have some key players back for this weekend's game.”
Defence was a major work-on.
“I think there were 36 missed tackles against YMP so we need to fix that going into this game — more accountability for missing tackles and really working hard on getting into shape.
“We are definitely hungry.”
Ngatapa, who are hosting Waikohu at Paddy's Park in Patutahi tomorrow, are out to continue the progress that has resulted in consecutive wins over the last two weeks.
Ngatapa No.8 James Hughes-Lock has played a huge role in that and will be looking for another outstanding performance to help his team get on the right side of the 50.
His speed around the ruck will be important to combat Waikohu's big men and spoil any momentum the defending champs may create.
Ngatapa flanker and captain Dan Law said they had discussed their game plan and what they want to achieve tomorrow.
“We talked a lot last night about redemption from our first round game against Waikohu (a 62-17 loss).
“We know they have a strong and experienced backline. We wll look to outmuscle them up front for the first 20 minutes and re-evaluate from there.”
“We are approaching things one game at a time. But to get the win, or to have a hard hit-out against them, would put us in a good place going into the semifinal.”
Tomorrow marks the last hurrah of the season for HSOB and Pirates, who meet in a bottom-of-the-table game at the Oval.
Both teams have had a difficult season.
“The whole second round has been rough numbers wise,” Pirates captain Bernard Nepe said.
“We haven't actually been able to have a proper training.”
They hoped to return next season and boost their depth with the promotion of some Senior 1 players to the premier squad.
While Pirates have not had a win this season after a year away from the grade, they do have a core group of players who can make something out of nothing.
The top two players on the Taste One Most Valuable Player table comes from these sides.
HSOB captain and front-rower Tamanui Hill leads on 15 points with Pirates back Solomoni Rasari second on 12, having missed the chance of more points due to the OBM-Pirates deferral.
Hill said despite the way their season had gone, team morale was pretty good.
“The thing I'm looking forward to the most is enjoying each other's company for our final game.”
While this game will be end of their season, it could also be viewed as a blueprint for next year.
The teams will put everything on the line to go out with a bang, then go back to their drawing boards and regroup for next year.
Hill made special mention of the time and support their management team had put in behind the scenes over a tough season.
“Tim Lister, Mark Naden and Brendan Hart — without them we would have been a shambles.
“They are the heart of our team, alongside the coaching staff of Danny Boyle and Wayne Ensor.”
The season won't end for Hill and Rasari as they are members of the Poverty Bay squad for the Heartland competition which kicks off on August 20.
Before that is a Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawke's Bay on July 30 and a pre-season clash with Hawke's Bay Saracens on August 13.
