Pikiao Warriors drop points in dramatic draw

TOUGH TIMES: Pikiao Warriors' Scotty Evans (pictured earlier in the season against Pacific Sharks) had a difficult game against league strugglers Turangawaewae this weekend. PHOTO/FILE

Coach Henry Lingman's focus has now turned to the second half of the season after Pikiao Warriors dramatically drew 28-28 against Turangawaewae on Saturday.

Pikiao had been leading for the whole of the match, in the eighth round of the Waicoa Bay Premiership, however conceded with just five minutes remaining to share the points.

And Lingman was disappointed that his defence were unable to hold out, although believed the poor weather conditions contributed to his side's disappointing resolve.

"We had been in control for the whole of the match so it wasn't good that we let them in right at the end," he said.

"A good lead was established at half-time and we should have pushed away in the second half but our errors cost us.

"There were too many dropped balls, but having said that we did have to play in very bad conditions.

"The ball and players were slipping all over so overall I suppose it's good we have come away with something."

Pikiao are still in touching distance of the top five clubs above them and Lingman has targeted next week's match against Taupo Phoenix as a crucial game as it takes them into the mid-way stage of the season.

"Taupo are very close to us in the league, so if we put in a positive performance it will set us up nicely for the second half of the competition," he said.

"We want to be up there with the top teams. At the moment we are in striking distance but the point gap can't get any bigger.

"Now is the time to be picking up the points, because they will make a massive difference come the end of the season.

"I'm hoping we gel more in round two because at the moment players have been out of position and we haven't quite found the right balance."

Elsewhere, Ngongotaha Chiefs failed to use home advantage in their favour losing 44-16 to Otumoetai Eels.

And the bottom-of-the-table side must look to improve their defence in the upcoming weeks if they are to survive in the league - with only one win so far this season.

But they face tough opposition next weekend as they take on second placed Pacific Sharks at home, whose game was postponed this weekend.

"The side has to be really up there challenging for every ball. And we must be up in their faces and compete from the off," said head coach Joe Taute.

"We are having a very tough time at the moment but we have to be positive and put in the hard work.

"It won't be easy but we have to show that we are prepared to fight."

Results:
Waicoa Bay Premiership:
Hamilton City Tigers 18 Taniwharau 12
Pikiao 28 Turangawaewae 28
Ngongotaha 16 Otumoetai Eels 44
United v Pacific Sharks (Postponed due to ground closure)
Taupo Phoenix - Bye

Reserve Grade:
Hamilton City Tigers 26 Taniwharau 12
Pikiao 16 Turangawaewae 20
Central Lions 48 Otumoetai Eels 30
United v Pacific Sharks (Postponed due to ground closure)
Reporoa Razorbacks - Bye

Bay of Plenty/Coastline Division 1:
Papamoa Bulldogs 44 Putauaki Stags 20
Mangakino Hawks 66 Tauhara Te Maunga 24
Taneatua Warriors - Bye