Warriors in dramatic draw for second week running

For the second week in a row Pikiao Warriors dramatically drew against their opponents - this time finishing 18 all away at Taupo Phoenix on Saturday.

Pikiao had to come from 10-4 behind at half time in the ninth round of the Waicoa Bay Premiership, and snatched a draw with two minutes to go.

Rapid centre Percy King pounced for his second of the game after crashing over in the first half with half back Kaiaotea Tahuriorangi also scoring in the second half and setting up King's two tries.

And the centre had the opportunity to steal the victory, but sent his conversion kick just wide of the posts.

Pikiao Warriors coach Henry Lingman was happy with the result but looking to cut out "silly errors," going into the second half of the season.

"It was a scrappy game, and conditions certainly played apart in that. Both sides were making mistakes so I'm happy with the end result," he said.

"They started the stronger but we really stepped it up in the second half. And with 20 minutes to go it was anyone's game.

"We could have even snatched it at the death, but it was a fair result.

"Next week we will review the first round and the main thing will be looking where to cut out small mistakes because that is what is hurting us at the moment."

Pikiao go into the second round of the competition in sixth place with a bye next weekend.

And Lingman said his side were on target at this stage in the season having competed well with an inexperienced side, but was eyeing the top five clubs above them.

"We are where we want to be right now. And considering I started with a very young team they have done really well," he said.

"Realistically at the end of the season I will be happy finishing sixth but we are still in striking distance of the top five.

"Next week we will closely look at our season so far and other teams so we are well prepared going into the next nine rounds.

"Anything could happen and if we get a strong start then we could look to push up. It will be a very exciting second half and I expect to see an overall improved team performance."

Pikiao go into the second round of the Waicoa Bay Premiership with three wins, three losses and three draws.

After this weekend's result they have scored a total of 252 points whilst conceding 221.
And Pikiao's next game will be in round 11 when they take on current second placed Taniwharau who have won six of their first nine games.

Elsewhere, Ngongotaha Chiefs game against high flying Pacific Sharks was postponed due to ground closure.

And in the second half of the competition Ngongotaha will be looking to improve after only picking up one win and six defeats.

Results:
Waicoa Bay Premiership:
Ngongotaha v Pacific Sharks (Postponed due to ground closure)
Taupo Phoenix 18 v 18 Pikiao
United 4 v 64 Taniwharau
Otumoetai Eels 80 v 18 Turangawaewae
Hamilton City Tiger's - Bye

Reserve Grade:
United 12 v 70 Taniwharau
Central Lions v Pacific Sharks (Postponed due to ground closure)
Otumoetai Eels 20 v 0 Turangawaewae (Default)
Reporoa Razorbacks 32 v 18 Pikiao
Hamilton City Tiger's - Bye

Bay of Plenty/Coastline Division 1:
Putauaki Stags 70 v 14 Tauhara te Maunga
Taneatua Warriors 74 v 0 Papamoa Bulldogs
Mangakino Hawks - Bye