Rotoiti will be aiming for revenge at home today. Photo/Ben Fraser
Rotoiti will be aiming for revenge as they go in search of their first win in the newly formatted Premier 1 competition.
Fourth placed Rotoiti host sixth placed Rangataua today and they look to make amends for a 28-20 away loss against their opponents in round one of the season.
The home side go into the game on the back of a 22 all draw with Whakatane Marist, whilst Rangataua lost 29-22 to Mount Maunganui last Saturday.
Rotoiti committee member Willie Emery said he was happy with the start to the second round but didn't want to see any "soft tries" conceded which cost them in the reverse fixture in May.
"Last week was a solid start. We should have actually won the game but our kicker had a bit of an off day which cost us," he said.
"But everyone was happy with the result and our backline really raised the bar.
"We want to put things right against Rangataua and have to learn from our mistakes in round one. They had about three easy tries and too much time on the ball.
"We want to reach the semifinal stage and there is a lot more to come from us, so now is the time to start proving it on the pitch."
Currently Mount Maunganui top the table on 5 points with Tauranga Sports and Te Puna just one point behind.
Meanwhile in Premier 2 the Tai Mitchell Shield is once again up for grabs as Marist St Michael's take on Whakarewarewa at home today.
Both teams started with a positive result in the opening game last Saturday - with Marist St Michael's winning 20-18 against Poroporo while Whakarewarewa held onto the shield
after beating Waikite 55-0.
Marist St Michael's captain Daniel Pearce said much was at stake for both clubs, who were also playing for the Sonny Smith Memorial Trophy.
"Everyone at the club is very excited about the game. We've started well and Whaka are the team to beat in this league," he said.
"Last weekend we made a step in the right direction mainly because of a positive attitude on the pitch and sticking to a solid game plan.
"I believe we have the fitness and speed in the team to cause Whaka some problems but we have to make sure we contain them in attack.
"We want to be challenging for the top four so we have to beat these big teams. If we get good first tackles in stick to our guns we could cause an upset."
Elsewhere in Premier 2, Ngongotaha, captained by Courtney Mita, will look to make amends for their 55-5 defeat to Arataki last weekend when they take on Opotiki at home.
Waikite are aiming for a positive display when they host Poroporo after their heavy home defeat against Whakarewarewa.
Waikite coach Carl Marsters said: "It's time for us to realise the standard and see where we need to be.
"This week I want to see that extra bit of quality with the final ball and line speed in the backs. It's time to make a statement in this division."
Today's draw
Premier 1
Kick-off 2.45pm/ Development kick-off 1pm.
Rotoiti v Rangataua, Emery Park
Te Puna v Whakatane Marist, Maramatanga Park
Greerton Marist v Te Puke, Greerton Park
Tauranga Sports v Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Domain
Premier 2:
Kick-off 2.45pm/ Development kick-off 1pm.
Ngongotaha v Opotiki, Ngongotaha Domain
Waikite v Poroporo, Bellvue Road
Paroa v Arataki, Lawson Park
Marist St Michael's v Whakarewarewa, Marist Park
Division 1:
Kick-off 2.45pm/ Development kick-off 1pm.
Judea v Rangiuru, Maharaia Winiata Memorial Park
Te Teko v Papamoa, Dunderdale Park
Kahukura v Ruatoki, Kuirau Park
Katikati v Edgecumbe, Moore Park