IN CONTROL: Rotoiti's kicker Logan Henry will be aiming for accuracy on the weekend as his side battle it out in the Baywide Premier 1 semifinals. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
IN CONTROL: Rotoiti's kicker Logan Henry will be aiming for accuracy on the weekend as his side battle it out in the Baywide Premier 1 semifinals. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
It was on a sultry, late summer weekend in March when the 2016 Baywide competition began.
Across the Bay of Plenty region aspirations were high among players, spectators and club officials that perhaps this would be their year to add a trophy to the dusty cabinets that are pride ofplace in most clubrooms.
Who gets a new piece of silverware will become clearer after tomorrow's semifinals across the various divisions of the Baywide competition.
At the top end in the Premier 1 the thrilling head to head match ups see Rangataua Sports host Tauranga Sports at Ariki Park whilst Mount Maunganui Sports take on Rotoiti at their Blake Park fortress.
All season long Mount Maunganui Sports have been the team to beat.
But Rotoiti travel to the Mount full of confidence after upsetting the form book last Saturday and beating their opponents 27-21 - a bonus points win which saw them nab the last top four place.
Rotoiti captain Zac Hohneck said his team were full of belief but were "clear underdogs" going into the crucial clash.
"Everyone is very excited. It's been a long time since the club has been involved at the final four stage," he said.
"The Mount will come back bigger and stronger and they have been the team that everyone has been chasing this season.
"But our last result has given us all a lift - we know we can get a winning result.
"We don't need motivation for the match because everyone is incredibly self driven here."
SEMIFINAL CLASH: Rotoiti must overcome Mount Maunganui Sports tomorrow for the second time in as many weeks to reach the final. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
It looks set to be a very tight encounter and Hohneck, who will be playing at blindside flanker, highlighted discipline and kicking accuracy as priorities on the day.
"I expect the game to tighten up and be very conservative because of what's at stake," he said.
"On a bad day Blake Park can be very swampy with slow foot speed which makes it closer.
"It won't be an expansive game and it will come down to penalties and kicking placement.
"We have to make sure we get into their half and make the right choices with the ball.
"Our side isn't an x-factor team of players but we have a great bond and great team spirit that can push us over the line."
Rotoiti coach Dave McLean believes the big battle will be up front.
