Tense club day on Coast

Rugby East Coast v Poverty Bay - Solomome Vaka

NGATI Porou East Coast club rugby will be tense on Saturday as the competition’s top clubs, Uawa and Tokomaru United, battle it out at Tolaga Bay Domain, and the next five teams clamber over each other to secure semifinal places.

Uawa’s club day begins with the under-sixes at 10am and culminates in the seniors’ game. United have lost their last two games, but will be keen to knock Uawa off their perch.

Uawa co-coach Peter Crawford said his team had had a great season so far, but this was a crucial time for them.

“We lost unexpectedly recently, and that means we need a focused, determined effort for our final games,” he said.

“Both are against strong opponents, but luckily we are relatively injury-free.”

At Te Araroa, Tokararangi will host TVC on Saturday. Toka player-coach Morgan Wirepa jr went off injured last week, but said the team had many players returned from injury and illness and the home team would be competitive.

“You never know till the fat lady sings,” he said.

TVC player-coach Whetu Haerewa said his side were looking forward to the match.

“It is a local derby and could be the last time we play each other this year, so both teams will want bragging rights for the summer,” he said.

There would be some wonderful match-ups, pitting cousin against cousin.

“After last week’s performance it is important for us to continue to improve and play well,” Haerewa said.

“Tokararangi are a great side and play a wonderful style of rugby, and we are more than aware of their capabilities across the paddock.”

Haerewa said TVC needed to play well to have a chance of securing a semifinal spot, but were aware competition was tight for the top four.

The other close battle will be between Ruatoria City and Waiapu at Ruatoria. Both these clubs have played great rugby this year.

City manager Lorne Boyce-Goldsmith says his team haven’t played since late May, but at least that means they will field their first-choice team.

Waiapu are a strong team who play with passion, and on Saturday should have some of their regular players who live and work outside the Coast.

The fourth game on Saturday will be between Hikurangi and Tawhiti at Tokomaru Bay Domain.

All games will be at 2.30pm. Hicks Bay have the bye.