Ngongotahā's Dennis Newton makes a run during his side's win over Pikiao. Photo / Stephen Parker
Ngongotahā's Dennis Newton makes a run during his side's win over Pikiao. Photo / Stephen Parker
The Ngongotahā Chiefs have secured a top-four finish with a 48-22 win over local rivals Pikiao.
Defending champions Pikiao, on the other hand, have had a tough season in terms of player numbers. They are bottom of the table and out of the running for a semifinal spot.
Ngongotahā coachPaul Nahu said that despite the scoreline both sides played well.
"I thought it was a good game, the best game I've seen all year actually. Both sides played really well. It was a good representation of how the clubs have played over the years, it was a quality game with a lot of passion. It was hard-fought.
"Obviously, we're still quite adept at scoring points - we put 48 on so that's a lot of points. But, we've still got issues and lapses in defence. We are improving, but it's still a work in progress. There are moments where we click off when we need to get set up," Nahu said.
He said the whole team stood up and performed well, but there were a couple who stood out to a few experienced eyes on the sideline.
"It was one of those games where everyone played well. But it was our old boys' day and I let some of the older players pick who they thought the best players were.
Tai Kapua was one of many standout players for Ngongotahā against Pikiao on Saturday. Photo / Stephen Parker
"They picked Tai Kapua, our number nine, and Pita [Lomani-Madanawa] our fullback. They both had very good games."
Nahu said it was good to have a spot in the semifinals locked up.
"We've set goals for ourselves all year and we're slowly ticking them off. A home semifinal would be good, but that's a few weeks away yet, we've got a few more games and plenty to work on in the meantime."
Pikiao coach Jason Parata said defensive lapses cost his side on Saturday.
"There was probably one bad tackle in every set and, depending where that tackle was, it dictated how we went. It's real little things that are getting us.
"We're gone for this year, so it's all just a matter of getting through the season, hopefully without any more injuries. Then we can sit down and re-evaluate what we need to do for next year to get back to where I think we should be," Parata said.
One positive to come out of the season for Pikiao is the emergence of Rikihana Te Rangi as a leader.
"Big Rik was a standout again on Saturday, he's been the dream captain this year. He tries to lead from the front and does the hard work, he's the 'follow me' type of captain. That's probably the biggest positive this year, as well as the fact that we're 95 per cent Pikiao, we're all from Pikiao."
