Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa eager to build on momentum

BARNSTORMING: Whakarewarewa's Doug Edwards rumbles up the middle during a 27-all draw with Tauranga Sports last weekend. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Rotoiti are quickly gathering momentum in the Baywide premier rugby competition.

With three wins out of three in the second round of the competition they sit on top of the table, two points clear of nearest rivals Te Puke Sports who they beat 20-13 last weekend.

Coach Willie Royalsaid team morale was high after that victory but they expected to be tested away at last year's champions Rangataua tomorrow."The feeling within the team is really good, they're starting to realise they can win at home and away.

"They have a good team spirit and they are willing to work for one another," said Royal.

The self-belief within the players was growing with every win, but Royal was aware he and co-coach Richard Francisneeded to make sure the players did not get ahead of themselves.

"We still have to keep them grounded, even though we've been winning there are things to work on.

"It's just getting back to the basics, working hard, fixing the things that need to be fixed and just keep rolling," he said.

The team has been working on its defence and work around the breakdown.

"So that we can hold our own ball and hopefully, if we are good enough, we can steal their ball as well.

"Rangataua are a strong side and in the last couple of games they're starting to come on as well.

"They play an open running game, they like moving the ball so we have to be on our game and make sure our defence can match them.

"Our players are starting to put what we have been doing at training on to the playing field and you can see the plans we have in place are working.

"It is pleasing, but having said that no one has the complete game yet, I don't think many teams get it but if we can keep tracking the way we are I think we'll be happy."

Meanwhile, Whakarewarewa were hoping a spirited comeback to draw 27-all with Tauranga Sports last weekend will kick-start their season.

Sitting at the bottom of the table they take on third-placed Mount Maunganui away tomorrow.Coach Joe Savage said he could see more confidence in his players this week, on the back of the draw.

"We proved a few things were the underlying cause of why we haven't performed to the best of our abilities and we're really looking forward to the game.

"It will be a bit of a tough ask to get a win over there but there's no reason we can't," said Savage.

This week the team have been working on their ruck work and kick chases.

"Our ruck work is still a bit of an issue and we're not clearing bodies like we need to.

"It's inaccuracies when we get to the ruck, some of the guys are going in really high instead of using the technique we have practised throughout the year.

"With the kick chases we're allowing them to make too many metres after we've kicked the ball back to them - it has a little bit to do with our kicking accuracy as well," he said.

Baywide Premier 1 and Premier 1 Development Draw:
Premier kick-off: 2.45pm
Development kick-off: 1pm
Rangataua v Rotoiti
Mount Maunganui v Whakarewarewa
Te Puna v Greerton Marist
Tauranga Sports v Te Puke