League: Big guns start new campaign in fine fashion

Ngongotaha and Pikiao faced off in the opening round of the Bay of Plenty premier competition on Saturday. Pictured is Ngongotaha player Josh Albert, in a match from last season. Photo/Stephen Parker

Last year's grand finalists Pacific and Pikiao have both recorded victories in the first round of the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League premier competition.

The seven-team premier competition began on Saturday, with Pikiao playing Ngongotaha, Forestland (Tokoroa) playing Central (Rotorua) and Taupo playing Pacific (Tokoroa).

The Rotorua derby match between Pikiao and Ngongotaha swung in Pikiao's favour at Puketawhero Park, with Pikiao winning 30-6.

It was a good result for Pikiao's new-look side, with coach Doug Unuwai promoting a number of the club's younger players to the first team this season.

Pikiao Reserves also won at the weekend, defeating Turangi 36-28. Meanwhile, defending champions Pacific faced off against Taupo on Saturday, the same team they defeated one week earlier in the Bay of Plenty nine-a-side final.

Taupo put up a good fight, scoring 22 points, but Pacific had too much firepower, winning 44-22.

In the other premier game, Rotorua's Central Rugby League Club had a tough start to their season after moving up to the premier grade this year.

They went down 56-12 to Forestland.

In the reserve grade on Saturday, Putaruru, Tauhara and Pikiao all collected wins in the opening round.

Putaruru defeated Reporoa 42-36, Tauhara got the better of Pacific 44-26 and Pikiao defeated Turangi.

The Central and Taupo reserve grade sides have pulled out of the competition.

Bay of Plenty District Rugby League round one results:

Premier grade: Forestland 56 Central 12, Pikiao 30 Ngongotaha 6, Taupo 22 Pacific 44.

Reserve grade: Putaruru 42 Reporoa 36, Tauhara 44 Pacific 26, Pikiao 36 Turangi 28.