Rotorua teams seek improved displays in BOPDRL and Coastline combined district competition

Pikiao Warriors' player Scotty Evans, pictured in action against Hamilton City Tigers last season, and his side aim to record their first win in the grading round this weekend. Photo/File

Rotorua teams are seeking improved displays in the second grading round of the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League and Coastline combined district competition.

Pikiao Warriors Premier, already guaranteed a spot in the Premier division, take on Taupo Phoenix Premier at Puketawhero Park, tomorrow in their second round of grading.

The home side come into the game on the back of a 34-28 loss to Pacific Sharks Premier while Taupo suffered a crushing 50-6 defeat against Otumoetai Eels Premier in section one of the competition.

Head coach Jason Parata said communication on the pitch had been a main focus during training.

"We've had to look closely at defence and communicating. We need to be moving up all together in the line. Players need to work as a team and one unit," he said.

Parata added he was wary of an unknown Taupo team but said a home advantage would give his side a much needed edge.

"I know that Taupo have done a lot of rebuilding in preseason - that's where my knowledge of them ends. I think, for all the teams in the grading rounds, it's about testing the waters so we can't even go on last weekend's results," he said.

"We're still working on the right combinations and structures. We aren't quite there right now. No-one is secure in their position - everybody has to perform week in week out for their spot.

"It's great to be at home and already this season I've seen an increase in support."

Meanwhile, Ngongotaha Chiefs travel to take on Mangakino Hawks in section three of the competition after a 48-28 home win over Putauaki Stags while Taneatua Warriors won 46-12 against Mangakino Hawks.

Paul Nahu, one of the Chiefs' coaches, said it was a positive start but the team would be looking closely at defence this week.

"You don't want to be letting 28 points tally against you in any match. It's too much and it's something we've focused on this week," he said.

"We have that aim of making the Premier so we need to keep our heads down working hard and do everything we can."

BOPDRL and Coastline combined district competition
Saturday

Grading games - round 2 fixtures:

Section 1: Pikiao Warriors Premier v Taupo Phoenix Premier, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua, kick-off 2.30pm.

Otumoetai Eels Premier v Pacific Sharks Premier, Mitchell Park, Tauranga, kick-off 2.30pm.

Section 2: Pikiao Warriors reserves v Taupo Phoenix reserves, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua, kick-off 1pm.

Otumoetai Eels reserves v Pacific Sharks reserves, Mitchell Park, Tauranga, kick-off 1pm.

Section 3: Mangakino Hawks v Ngongotaha Chiefs, Mangakino, kick-off 1pm.

Putauaki Stags v Taneatua Warriors, Kawerau, kick-off 1pm.

Section 4: Tauhara te Maunga v Te Teko Bulldogs, Hickling Park, Taupo, kick-off 1pm.

Papamoa Bulldogs - bye.