Improved Ngongotaha need 'final' attitude to win

Ngongotaha Chiefs' manager Andrew Taylor is urging players to step up to the next level in tomorrow's crunch clash. Photo / Ben Fraser

Ngongotaha Chiefs must approach their next crucial Waicoa Bay premiership fixture like a "final", according to manager Andrew Taylor.

Eighth-placed Ngongotaha take on fourth-placed Taupo Phoenix at home tomorrow, in round 15 of the competition.

Spirit and morale in the camp is high after last weekend's 24-18 derby win over Pikiao Warriors.

In a classic Rotorua game they went in as clear underdogs and came from behind in the second half to clinch the local bragging rights.

"We had a real confidence booster against Pikiao and I believe we are very strong across the board," Taylor said.

"The side have lifted their performance week on week and Taupo have been doing well but that doesn't faze any of us.

"We can get a result if we show an all-round good game and pay close attention to their speedy backs and tackling and challenging every ball until the end."

Taupo Phoenix beat Ngongotaha 44-4 in the reverse fixture and impressively beat United 58-20 at home last Saturday.

But Taylor said the side had much improved since their round six defeat.

"We put in a pretty poor effort last time," he said.

"We've learned a lot since then and I'm quietly confident. There is enough quality on our team to match them man for man and I'm hoping the home advantage will give us the edge."

It has been a difficult season for Ngongotaha - with three wins and eight losses, leaving them nine points behind tomorrow's opposition, but they do have two games in hand.

And mathematically Ngongotaha still have an outside chance of reaching the semifinals next month - something which Taylor has stressed to his players.

"I want us to win each of our remaining games, starting against Taupo," he said.

"We have a very slim chance so we will be treating this match like we are playing in a final."

Elsewhere, sixth-placed Pikiao will look to bounce back from their derby woes when they travel to fifth-placed Otumoetai Eels.

Tomorrow's draw:

Waicoa Bay Premiership
(Kick-off 2.45pm)

Ngongotaha Chiefs v Taupo Phoenix, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
Otumoetai Eels v Pikiao Warriors, Mitchell Park, Tauranga
United v Hamilton City Tigers, Resthills Park, Hamilton
Turangawaewae v Taniwharau, Patterson Park, Ngaruawahia. Pacific Sharks - Bye

Waicoa Bay Reserves
(Kick-off 1pm)

Central Lions v Reporoa Razorbacks, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua
Otumoetai Eels v Pikiao Warriors, Mitchell Park, Tauranga
United v Hamilton City Tigers, Resthills Park, Hamilton
Turangawaewae v Taniwharau, Patterson Park, Ngaruawahia
Pacific Sharks - Bye

Bay of Plenty/ Coastline Division 1
(Kick-off 1pm)

Papamoa Bulldogs v Taneatua Warriors, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Papamoa
Tauhara Te Maunga v Putauaki Stags, Hickling Park, Taupo
Mangakino Hawks - Bye