League: Pikiao minus suspended coach

Pikiao will play Ngongotaha this weekend in a Rotorua derby match. Here Pikiao's Sonny Perham is charging forward. Photo / Stephen Parker

Pikiao will be without their coach Thomas Wharerau on the sidelines this weekend after he was suspended pending a judicial meeting.

A premier match between defending champions Pikiao Warriors and Taupo Phoenix was called off early last weekend following ugly scenes at Hickling Park in Taupo.

Upper Central Zone Rugby League reported Pikiao coach Wharerau was shouting abuse at the match official and match manager during the game.

The situation escalated to the point where the match manager walked on to the pitch and suggested to the referee that the game be stopped.

Upper Central Zone Rugby League operations officer Harley Wall was reported as saying a fight broke out between the teams shortly after that and the referee stopped the game.

A judicial meeting will be held in Tauranga next week to deal with the incident.

Meanwhile, Wharerau has been suspended and cannot be involved in any coaching capacity when Pikiao play Ngongotaha in Rotorua.

Taupo were leading the match 20-16 when the game was called off.

This weekend is round six of the Bay of Plenty Coastline premier, reserve grade and division one competitions.

Only three teams remain unbeaten across all three grades.

The Pacific Sharks (Tokoroa) have won all five games they have played in both the premier garde and reserve grade, while the Forestland Falcons (Tokoroa) lead the way in the division one competition having won all matches this season.

Bay of Plenty Coastline draw tomorrow (round six):

Premier (2.30pm): Mangakino Hawks v Pacific Sharks, Mangakino Rugby Club; Otumoetai Eels v Taupo Phoenix, Mitchell Park; Ngongotaha Chiefs v Pikiao Warriors, Puketawhero Park.

Reserve grade (12.45pm): Otumoetai Eels v Taupo Phoenix, Mitchell Park; Central Lions v Pikiao Warriors, Puketawhero Park; Reporoa Razorbacks v Pacific Sharks, Reporoa Rugby Club.

Division One (1pm): Tauhara Te Maunga v Putaruru Dragons, Hickling Park; Forestland Falcons v Papamoa Bulldogs, Memorial Park; Whakatane/Taneatua Warriors v Putauaki Stags, Taneatua Domain.