League: Newcomers hope to upset Ngongotaha

Ngongotaha's Bayden Wardlaw on the charge. His side will look to make it five straight wins when they play Mangakino tomorrow. Photo / Stephen Parker

Ngongotaha will look to make it five straight wins when they hit the road to play Mangakino.

Ngongotaha have emerged as title contenders this season in the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League premier competition, after beating defending champions Pacific (Tokoroa) last weekend.

The Rotorua side lost their first match of the season to local rivals Pikiao in March but have since won their past four games.

If they win tomorrow they will stay joint top of the ladder with Pacific. However, it will be no walk in the park against Mangakino.

Newly-promoted Mangakino have shown good signs this season in their first year competing at premier level.

Mangakino coach Zane Knight said he wanted his team to continue benefiting from the experience of playing in the top grade.

"Our goal is to get through the next round and get better results than what we have been getting," Knight said.

"We have had quite a few close losses."

Last weekend they came back from 20-0 down at halftime, against Forestland, to lose 28-20.

Knight said if they could replicate their second half effort from last weekend they should give Ngongotaha a good run.

"We hope to give Ngongotaha a run for their money," he said. "And playing at home is usually really good for us."

That game will kick off at 2.30pm tomorrow in Mangakino.

In other premier games, Central plays Pikiao at Puketawhero Park and Taupo hosts Forestland at Hickling Park.

Central (Rotorua) are still searching for their first win of the season but will do well to upset Pikiao tomorrow.

Pikiao have lost two games on the trot and will look to get their season back on track.

Meanwhile, fifth-placed Forestland will have a chance to close the gap on the top four sides if they defeat Taupo tomorrow.

Bay of Plenty District Rugby League round seven draw tomorrow:

Premier: Mangakino v Ngongotaha, Mangakino; Central v Pikiao, Puketawhero Park; Taupo v Forestland, Hickling Park; Pacific bye.

Reserve grade: Pikiao Res v Pikiao Snrs, Puketawhero Park; Putaruru v Tauhara, Glenshea Park; Reporoa v Turangi, Reporoa; Pacific bye.