Ngongotaha clinch win in tight contest

Ngongotaha player Tai Kapua (pictured earlier in the season against Pikiao Warriors) was awarded man-of-the in his side's dramatic away win over Turangawaewae on the weekend. Photo/File

A conversion from co-captain Luke Taylor was the difference between Ngongotaha Chiefs and Turangawaewae on the weekend.

As Ngongotaha clung on to a 32-30 away victory to gain a much needed second win of the season in the Waicoa Bay Premiership.

The away side effectively won the game with eight minutes to go when returning player Eroni Seibouma touched down for the vital try.

Taylor's kick then gave Ngongotaha a crucial six point lead as Turangawaewae scored late on, but were unable to convert.

"What an even game. It really could have gone either way," said manager Andrew Taylor.

"It was a difficult away game but thanks to our recent improvement we were able to hold on and defend really well when we needed it most.

"We could have easily made a slip at the end but when the going got tough we stuck to our jobs and kept fully focused.

"Overall we deserved the result and it will definitely give us confidence for the rest of the season."

It was evenly poised at 16 all at half-time thanks to Ngongotaha tries from man of the match Tai Kapua, James Redstone and Seibouma's first try.

Ngonogotaha's third touch down was an impressive team effort which started with a quick break from Pesini Tavake on the half-way down the right side which was finished off expertly on the left when Seibouma slid over.

Turangawaewae scored first in the second half but Canaan Tuhura responded - dotting down on the left wing for Ngongotaha soon after.

The home scored again but Ngongotaha's Duke Taute made a darting run beating two players and offloading to energetic fullback Blake Nahu for a 20m run under the posts.

And the critical try came with eight minutes to go when Seibouma capitalised on a dropped ball and ran 50 metres to slide over for his second try of the game. Ngongotaha had to dig deep to hold on to the slim lead in a very tense finish with Turangawaewae sliding over with four minutes to go.

However the missed conversion handed Ngongotaha the win and the manager is now focused on getting as many wins in the second round of the competition as possible.

"It was a great team effort and Luke was a standout with a huge work rate especially on defence and the crucial kick. Also Tai Kapua passed well and was always a danger on attack.

"It will do a lot for our moral and confidence going in to the rest of the season. We must now aim to get as many wins as we can and stay off the bottom."

Results:
Waicoa Bay Premiership:
Turangawaewae 30 Ngongotaha 32
Taupo Phoenix 0 Taniwharau 62
Hamilton City Tigers 22 Pacific Sharks 22
United 12 Otumoetai Eels 42
Pikiao - bye
Reserve Grade:
Reporoa Razorbacks 20 Taniwharau 40
Hamilton City Tigers 18 Pacific Sharks 42
United 6 Otumoetai Eels 86
Turangawaewae 10 Central Lions 50
Pikiao - bye
Bay of Plenty/ Coastline Division 1:
No games this weekend