League: Ngongotaha slip past Eels in the wet

The Ngongotaha Chiefs picked up their first win of the season at the weekend. Pictured is Ngongotaha player Raymond Luke (with ball). Photo / Ben Fraser

The Ngongotaha Chiefs have picked up their first win of the season following a wet and muddy match against the Otumoetai Eels in Rotorua.

Round seven of the Bay of Plenty Coastline premier competition threw up some interesting results on Saturday with the Chiefs beating the Eels 22-6, while the undefeated Pacific Sharks only just defeated Taupo 16-12.

Pikiao were also pushed hard by Mangakino, winning that match 18-16.

Such were the conditions on Saturday at Puketawhero Park, the new floodlights at the ground had to be turned on halfway through the Ngongotaha game.

Ngongotaha coach Rob Kemp said the floodlights were flicked on about 3pm after the rain and clouds were making it difficult to see.

His team were relieved to pick up their first win of the season after welcoming back most of their troops from injury, he added.

"It was good having our team back," he said. "We had just about our top team take the field at the weekend. From our worst loss to that game we welcomed back 11 players, so it is a good relief."

Otumoetai started the season with a hiss and a roar, winning their opening three games, but they have since gone on a four-game losing streak.

Despite beating them by 16 points, Kemp said Otumoetai still looked a good side.

"They want to play a pretty open and expansive game ... and they are a good team. I don't think we'll be expecting to win by that much next time we meet." Kemp praised his side's discipline during the match on Saturday and also their defence. He said at one stage during the second half they held their line for five or six consecutive sets.

Kemp said his squad were still determined to make the playoffs this season.