Rugby: Ngongotaha host high-flying Greerton

Ngongotaha players celebrate a try against Rotoiti earlier this season. Photo / Ben Fraser

Greerton and Ngongotaha had very different Anzac Days, but both are targeting a win when they go head-to-head at the Ngongotaha Domain today.In Wednesday's Anzac Day fixtures, Greerton produced another last minute victory, scoring at the death to beat Tauranga Sports 31-24. Meanwhile, Ngongotaha were hammered 80-12 by table toppers Te Puna.

Ngongotaha are not the first side to be put to the sword by Te Puna, Greerton themselves lost 59-16 in round four.

Ngongotaha, who made their long awaited return to the premier division this year, have picked up two wins from six games so far.

Coach Jodie Wharekura said, if his side were going to keep their premier spot, they needed to win games at home.

"[The game against Te Puna] was another tough one, they're top of the table and they certainly showed why. Again, like against Te Puke, we just struggled with the sheer pace and how clinical those top four sides are. It's something we have to adapt to.

"We did rest a number of players, with the three games in eight days, but in saying that Te Puna were very good. We'll be looking to target Greerton, but they're on a bit of a high lately with a couple of wins. They will be another real challenge, but certainly a game we need to target if we're going to make the top eight, especially playing at home," Wharekura said.

Rain is forecast for Saturday, but Wharekura said that would not change his side's approach.

"We'd still like to try and throw the ball around, even in the wet. Greerton are very sound defensively so it will be a real challenge for us trying to break that defensive structure.

"What I have been quite happy with is our set piece, our scrum and lineout have been good. It's just our decisions we're making from that possession, we're tending to make silly mistakes or unforced errors at crucial times. The foundation is there, we're getting enough ball to be competitive, it's just what we're doing with that ball."

Greerton coach Ryan Dunnett was pleased with the way his side fought to the end against Tauranga Sports.

"We were down 12-6 at halftime and then managed to get back in the game. We were up 24-17, but like Tauranga Sports normally are they came back at us and scored with five minutes to go to make it 24-all. We managed to score on fulltime, for the third time this year, to win the game.

"We've been working hard at training and it's starting to pay off, the boys are getting fit, and we're starting to get a bit of depth, that's key," Dunnett said.

He said Greerton had targeted this weekend's game as a "must-win".

"It's going to be tough over there. It will be interesting to see how they recover [from the loss to Te Puna]. We've got a few guys back who haven't played for the last few weeks, so some fresh legs, we're looking forward to the challenge.

"The good thing about this competition is you can beat any team, but you can also lose to any team. That keeps you on your toes as a coach and as players. All the teams, especially at home, are hard to beat," he said.

Baywide Premier Club Rugby Draw
Today(Premier kick-off: 2.45pm, Development kick-off: 1pm):
Rangataua v Te Puke at Te Ariki Park, Whakatane Marist v Te Puna at Rugby Park, Ngongotaha v Greerton at Ngongotaha Domain, Arataki v Rotoiti at Arataki Park, Whakarewarewa v Paroa at Puarenga Park, Mount Maunganui v Tauranga Sports at Blake Park.

Baywide Division One Draw
Today(kick-off: 2.45pm):
Ruatoki v Kahukura at Tuhoe Park, Judea v Te Teko at Maharaia Winiata Park, Opotiki v Waimana at Princess Street Reserve, Murupara v Marist St Michael's at Ngatimanawa Park, Rangiuru v Poroporo at Centennial Park Te Puke, Papamoa v Waikite at Gordon Spratt Reserve.