Rotoiti aiming for fifth win in a row

Rotoiti player Matt Landers (in action last weekend) and his side are on the hunt for their fifth win in a row against Rangataua away today.

ROTOITI are on a roll, winning their last four games on the trot, but vice captain Joe Royal has warned complacency and "silly errors" must not creep into the side's performance today.

The team will make the trip to Te Ariki Park to take on seventh placed Rangataua who are one point behind them in the Baywide Premier division. And Rotoiti will be aiming for their fifth victory in a row after last weekend's hard fought 24-11 home win over tenth placed Arataki, a game played in challenging conditions.

However front rower Royal, who recently returned to the side after a calf strain injury, said this week the team "went back to basics" as errors that littered last Saturday's match would be costly if repeated against Rangataua.

"This week we have had a lot of learning to do, because we know they are going to come out firing," he said.

"We have been looking closely at stopping making those little mistakes and racking up lots of errors because a strong team like Rangataua will make us pay.

"Of course the rain did play a big part last weekend. Hopefully the sun will come out and shine on us, but there is no certainty of that.

"It's going to be a very tough team. Rangataua won't lie down and they have a lot to play for. Every side will have to fight to stay in the top eight so I'm imagining a classic scrap between us."

Rotoiti had a difficult start to the season with just one win in five matches, however since their thrilling 25-18 away victory over second placed Tauranga Sports in April their season has gone from strength to strength.

And they have since beaten then top-of-the-table Whakatane Marist 27-12 at home and league strugglers Opotiki 29-7 away.

The away side will almost be at full strength today with just lock Jason Whareaitu out through injury and Logan Henry will look to continue his kicking form.

However Rangataua will be desperate for a result against the in-form team, coming into the game on the back of two disappointing defeats including last Saturday's 13-8 loss to other local side Whakarewarewa.

And Royal has said that Rotoiti must have a strong defence.

"I think it could be a very ugly game on the defence front. We must keep them at bay because they have pace and power in that area," he said.

"Our defending will have to be very tough and we must make them make mistakes.
"When we get into their half, we ourselves must attack with speed and be clinical. I don't think it will be a pretty win but we will take what we can get.

"I want us to play with confidence but if the weather is bad we can't be throwing the ball around. We need to keep calm and focus."

Baywide games, today:

Baywide Premier Men
(kick-off 2.45pm)
Rangataua v Rotoiti, Te Ariki Park
Greerton Marist v Whakarewarewa, Greerton Park
Whakatane Marist v Mount Maunganui, Rugby Park
Paroa v Tauranga Sports, Lawson Park
Opotiki v Te Puke Sports, Princess St Reserve
Arataki v Te Puna, Arataki Park

Baywide Division One
(kick-off 1pm)
Ruatoki v Marist St Michael's, Tuhoe Park
Katikati v Ngongotaha, Moore Park
Kahukura v Te Teko, Kuirau Park
Waikite v Rangiuru, Bellvue Road
Poroporo v Papamoa, Poroporo Park
Judea Bye

Baywide Premier Women
(Kick-off 1pm)
Today:
Arataki Women v Tauranga Women, Arataki Park

Tomorrow:
Waikite Women v Waimana Women, Bellvue Road
Rotoiti Women v Rangiuru Women, Emery Park
Tokoroa Women v Apanui Women, Tokoroa