Rugby League: Ngongotaha get first win of the season

Ngongotaha man of the match Pita Lomani-Madanawa makes a big tackle against Papamoa. Photo / Ben Fraser

The Ngongotaha Chiefs have bounced back from defeat in round one to beat Papamoa 20-10 at home.

Ngongotaha were unsure what to expect against a Papamoa side new to the Bay of Plenty/Coastline premier competition and coach Paul Nahu said the away side came to Puketawhero Park yesterdaywith a lot of physicality.

"It was a pretty tough game actually, it was quite physical and, maybe due to the conditions, it wasn't as expansive as it could've been. [Papamoa] were a fairly handy side, that's for sure.

"We defended well, keeping sides to between 10 and 20 points gives a realistic chance to win the game and they did that. They were committed on defence so that was a pleasing sign, we always talk about defence, it's always one of the priorities," Nahu said.

He said there were was still "quite a bit of work" to do on attack.

"That will come, it's just timing and combinations - what to do in different areas of the field. It's a learning process but it'll come. We're satisfied to get off the mark in the competition.

"There were plenty of times that Papamoa dominated the game, they certainly challenged us at different periods of the game."

Man of the match for Ngongotaha was winger Pita Lomani-Madanawa.

"Him and James Redstone, the fullback, they made a lot of impact in the middle of the ruck. The big guys in the middle certainly worked hard as well. We were led by our captain Luke Taylor too, he did a lot of work."

Next weekend Ngongotaha take on Pikiao, which Nahu said the players looked forward to every year, no matter where each side was on the table.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Pikiao's early season woes continued as they went down 40-16 to Pacific away. Otumoetai travelled to Taupo and picked up a 20-6 win. Mangakino had the bye.

Bay of Plenty/Coastline Premier Rugby League results
Saturday, April 14

Ngongotaha 20 v Papamoa 10
Taupo 6 v Otumoetai 20
Pacific 40 v Pikiao 16
Mangakino Bye