Fierce derby should lift performance

Pikaio player Zane Haimona is tackled during the last meeting between the two teams in April. Photo/File

The Rotorua rugby league community is set to witness a fiercely contested local derby match in the Waicoa Bay premiership.

Sixth placed Pikiao Warriors take on bottom of the table Ngongotaha Chiefs tomorrow at Puketawhero Park, with both teams desperate for a win.

Morale in the two separate camps has been dented in recent weeks after two defeats in a row for each side.

Pikiao go into the game as favourites having won the bragging rights in recent Rotorua classics, including a 52-26 victory in the reverse fixture this season.

Pikiao coach Henry Lingman said the crunch clash couldn't have come at a better time, with his side still in with a slim chance to finish in the top four with five rounds left to play in the competition.

"It's always a great game to be part of. No doubt it will turn into a battlefield with tackles flying in all over the place," he said.

"We've had the upper hand going into the game but Ngongotaha have some great quality in the side and look as if they have improved a lot.

"It's very important for us to get a good result if we stand any chance of reaching the semifinal rounds. We still have belief so we have to push on.

"For the team it's now or never. The key to a win will be slowing Ngongotaha's backs down and force them into mistakes."

Ngongotaha have struggled this season with two wins and eight losses leaving them five points behind Pikiao on the ladder with six points.

But a win could see them leap frog fellow league strugglers Turangawaewae, who are just a point ahead and United on eight points.

And they have two games in hand to rivals Pikiao who have also only recorded two wins this year with six defeats and three draws.

Ngongotaha manager Andrew Taylor said he was confident his team could get a positive result if they remained focused for the full 80 minutes.

"It's a huge challenge for us but everyone is looking forward to the game. I expect players will lift their performance because of the occasion," he said.

"This rivalry runs very deep and nobody wants to be on the losing side come the final whistle.

"We haven't had the end result we've wanted in recent weeks but we have made huge strides since round one of the competition.

"Hopefully this will show on the pitch and if everybody keeps on it for the full game we are in with a very strong shout for a win."

Tomorrow's games
Waicoa Bay Premiership
(Kick-off 2.45pm)
Pikiao Warriors v Ngongotaha Chiefs, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
Pacific Sharks v Taniwharau, Memorial Park, Tokoroa
Taupo Phoenix v United, Reporoa Rugby Club, Reporoa
Hamilton City Tigers v Turangawaewae, Resthills Park, Hamilton
Otumoetai Eels - Bye
Waicoa Bay Reserves
(Kick-off 1pm)
Pikiao Warriors v Central Lions, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
Pacific Sharks v Taniwharau, Memorial Park, Tokoroa
Reporoa Razorbacks v United, Reporoa Rugby Club, Reporoa
Hamilton City Tigers v Turangawaewae, Resthills Park, Hamilton
Otumoetai Eels - Bye
Bay of Plenty/ Coastline Division 1
(Kick-off 1pm)
Tauhara Te Maunga v Mangakino Hawks, Hickling Park, Taupo
Putauaki Stags v Papamoa Bulldogs, Tarawera Park, Kawerau
Taneatua Warriors - Bye