Derby day on the Coast

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

LOCAL derbies are a feature heading into the halfway point of the Ngati Porou East Coast club rugby season.

Hikurangi play Ruatoria City on Saturday while Tokararangi head up the road to take on Hicks Bay.

There is always plenty of interest in Hiku-City clashes. City started the 2016 season well. Despite losing to competition leaders Uawa last weekend, they kept Uawa to their smallest winning margin so far this season.

First five Ian Logan was a highly effective pivot in City’s first two games but they have missed him through injury.

City are a well-trained side who play a tactical game, and beating Hiku is always high on their list. Hiku had a bad start to the season, including an 18-14 loss to City a month ago.

Coach Koro Ngarimu was fairly pleased with their 32-24 win against a strong Waiapu side last weekend but said they needed to get fitter.

Hiku carried no injuries into last week’s game and have many of their key players from last season.

Brothers Kareti and Kris Palmer are there, with Kareti in the backs this year.

Halfback Karauria Keelan and first five Billy Manuel did their jobs well last week and No.8 Taneatoa Parata played strongly. Prop Joey Keelan also had a good game at prop, working well with lock Horace Lewis. who is back at Hiku and playing alongside eldest son Caleb (second five).

In the second local derby of the weekend, Tokararangi travel 6km up the road to Hicks Bay.

Toka have had a great season Except for one blip in their first game, a 28-14 loss to City, Toka have had a great season to date.

The club have many positive, skilled and loyal players and the change from Morgan Waitoa to new player-coach Morgan Wirepa jr has been seamless, and not just because Waitoa is on the sideline every game.

Put your money on Toka for this one because Hicks Bay have not really got under way this season. They have not had an easy time of it, having twice been the victim of the TVC hurricane (34-7 and 58-6 losses), but there were signs of a resurgence in their second-half comeback against Tokomaru United a fortnight ago before going down 32-24.

Saturday will feature a double-header at Tokomaru Bay Domain.

First up is Uawa against Tawhiti. Do not be put off by Tawhiti not having won a game this season. They have played some good rugby but have not been able to sustain their efforts for 80 minutes.

They were scoreless against Uawa last time they played, losing 70-0, but could well get points on the board this time.

Uawa have had a pristine run this season. All their players know each other well and there’s always someone in support. A mixture of fitness, good ball skills and relentless determination has got them to the top of the table.

The late game at Tokomaru Bay, between Tokomaru United and Waiapu should be a fairly even match.

Toko United have won three of their four games this season and despite suffering a few injuries, have a large squad to choose from.

Waiapu have a powerful forward pack, and the return of hooker Tripoli Poi last Saturday strengthened them. Tojo Maaka, back at first five, looked good around the field and kicked well.

Only a brave person would pick the result here.