League: Pikiao Warriors secure first win of BOPDRL and Coastline competition

Pikiao Warriors Premier player Noel Te Rangi on his way to the try line against Taupo Phoenix Premier at Puketawhero Park. Photo/Stephen Parker

A much improved second half performance helped Pikiao Warriors Premier secure their first win of the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League (BOPDRL) and Coastline combined district competition.

Pikiao Warriors beat Taupo Phoenix Premier 54-24 at Puketawhero Park yesterday in their second round section one grading match.

The Warriors, already guaranteed a spot in the Premier division, dived over for a total of 11 tries including a hat-trick of touch downs from Quentin Ryan while Lorne Green and Scott Evans dived over for a double each.

Warriors' players Noel Te Rangi, Cameron Walters, Percy King and William Cook also slid over the try line.

Warriors' head coach Jason Parata said his side were "good in patches" and was pleased Pikiao pushed on from a narrow 18-16 lead at half-time.

"In patches it was a good performance, overall I'm happy - but there are still things we need to work on," he said. "We will look at defensive patterns because, although we scored a lot, 24 points is a lot to let in and stronger opposition will make you pay for that.

"I was much more pleased with how we did in the second half. Players were in the right spot when it was vital in attack and our whole shape on the pitch was good."

Parata highlighted the performances of Ryan, Evans and Jason Whareaitu.

The Warriors have one more grading match left against Otumoetai Eels Premier away next weekend before starting their campaign to challenge for the Premier title.

"For the last match I want to see us get all the little things right," Parata said. "We still need to iron some areas of our game out but I'm pleased with the progress we are making so far."

Meanwhile Ngongotaha Chiefs, who are vying for one of the two spots left for the Premier grade, saw their chances dented after a hefty 46-14 defeat against Mangakino Hawks in Mangakino.

To give themselves any chance they must now beat Taneatua Warriors at home next weekend.

BOPDRL and Coastline combined district competition results:

Grading games - round 2:

Section 1: Pikiao Warriors Premier 54 Taupo Phoenix Premier 24

Otumoetai Eels Premier 16 Pacific Sharks Premier 16

Section 2: Pikiao Warriors reserves 10 Taupo Phoenix reserves 26

Otumoetai Eels reserves 48 Pacific Sharks reserves 13

Section 3: Mangakino Hawks 46 Ngongotaha Chiefs 14

Putauaki Stags v Taneatua Warriors - postponed.

Section 4: Tauhara te Maunga 42 Te Teko Bulldogs 46

Papamoa Bulldogs - bye.