League: Pikiao pipped by Huntly side

Pikiao flyer Roderick Michael makes a break against Mangakino on Saturday during the Waicoa Bay Nines tournament. Photo / Stephen Parker

Pikiao have just missed out on winning the Waicoa Bay Nines tournament at home, losing 17-10 to Taniwharau in the final.

The tournament was held at the Rotorua International Stadium on Friday and Saturday as part of the Rotorua League Festival.

Nine teams from Waikato and Bay of Plenty took part in the pre-season tournament with Pacific (Tokoroa), Hamilton City, Pikiao (Rotorua) and Taniwharau (Huntly) progressing to the semifinals.

Pacific and the Hamilton City Tigers went into the semifinals as favourites after topping their pools.

But they both slipped up in the semis.

Bay of Plenty district champions Pikiao defeated Pacific 16-6, while Waikato champions Taniwharau got the better of Hamilton City 14-0.

The crowd had built nicely for the final, which was the main curtain raiser to the New Zealand Warriors versus Penrith Panthers match.

Taniwharau scored the opening try, but Pikiao's Shilo Cullen hit back with a try of his own. Taniwharau then kicked a drop goal before halftime to take a 5-4 lead into the break.

Then Huntly scored a converted try shortly after the break to make the difference seven points.

A moment of brilliance followed when Pikiao's Fijian winger Roderick Michael received a long pass around his boot laces. He put boot to ball and beat about three defenders in the kick-and-chase to recollect and score.

It made for a great final quarter of the match but Taniwharau had the final say, scoring and converting the final try of the match to win 17-10.

Pikiao did well to make the final after losing their first two pool matches to Hamilton City and Ngongotaha.

The club will be part of the new combined competition starting this year that will include clubs from the Coastline and Bay of Plenty districts.