Chiefs spanked by Taniwharau

Ngongotaha's Harlem Lea Tigaga-Angell tries to get through the Taniwharau defence at Puketawhero Park on Saturday. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Pikiao Warriors took bragging rights over Rotorua rivals Ngongotaha Chiefs on Saturday - but not by beating them.

A week earlier, the Chiefs suffered an old fashioned thumping at the hands of Hamilton City Tigers. On Saturday, Pikiao faced the same opponents.

Going into the game, and bearing in mind the Chiefs' result, Warriors coach Henry Lingman had no illusions about the task in hand.

But in possibly the biggest surprise of the Waicoa Bay premiership competition so far, the Warriors pulled a 24-all draw out of the hat to put an end to the Tigers' 100 per cent record.

Ngongotaha were kept scoreless for the second weekend in a row, going down 36-0 at home to Huntly's Taniwharau.

Which team gets the real bragging rights in Rotorua will be decided next weekend when the Warriors and the Chiefs face off at Puketawhero Park.

Results:

Premier Grade:
Hamilton City Tigers 24 Pikiao 24, Taupo Phoenix 54 Turangawaewae 20, Ngongotaha 0 Taniwharau 36, Pacific Sharks 26 Otumoetai Eels 18, United - bye.

Reserve Grade: Hamilton City Tigers 66 Pikiao 10, Reporoa Razorbacks 22 Turangawaewae 32, Central Lions 26 Taniwharau 28, Pacific Sharks 30 Otumoetai Eels 32, United - bye.