Rugby: 'Patience and maturity' guide Whaka to victory

Whaka player Daniel Ngawhika scores the opening try of the Rotorua derby match at Emery Park on Saturday. Photo/Ben Fraser

Whakarewarewa are yet to concede a try this season after beating Rotoiti 14-6 at Emery Park.

Rotoiti were unable to find a hole in Whaka's defence during the intense derby match on Saturday, which saw a former Bay of Plenty Steamer sent to the sin bin.

A big crowd attended the match in Rotoiti to watch the opening round fixture in the Baywide premier division.

For long periods of the first half Rotoiti strangled possession but simply could not find a way through Ngarimu Simpkins' side.

Whaka held on until the break before creating two big plays in the second half.

The two converted tries proved enough for Whaka to take home the win, the banner, the competition points, and regain the Tai Mitchell Shield.

"The boys showed a bit of character today," Whaka coach Simpkins said.

"It was not the prettiest performance but, having said that, these [derby] games never are. So we are happy to take the win."

He said what impressed him most was the patience and maturity his players showed.

"A lot of teams can crack under pressure like that, when for 30 minutes you don't have the ball. But the maturity and patience in the pack was good."

There was no love lost between the two sides during the match, with Rotoiti's Wayne Ormond sent to the sin bin during the second half for fighting in back play.

The first points of the game were scored when Rotoiti's Tyson Ripia kicked a penalty to put his side in front.

While no more points were scored in the first half, Whaka came closest when they had a try disallowed.

A Rotoiti player kicked the ball down the sideline but stepped out in the process.

The players, and referee, continued the game and Whaka went the length of the field and scored, only to have the try disallowed when the referee consulted his touch judge.

In the second half, Whaka came out on top and managed to get fullback Whaimotu Craft-Chemis into the game.

Craft-Chemis made a big break down the left side and earned a penalty for his side. Whaka kicked for touch and, off the resulting play, Daniel Ngawhika scored the first try.

Rotoiti kicked a penalty to bring the score back to one point, 7-6.

As tensions rose, punches flew in back play and Ormond was shown a yellow card.

With a one man advantage, Whaka marched down the field and created an overlap on the left edge, with Chanse Perham scoring his side's second try.

With about 15 minutes left, Whaka closed out the match with solid defence.

Whaka are off to the perfect start this season after defeating Opotiki 48-0 last weekend, in a regular season match which was moved forward.

Other Baywide premier results: Rangiuru 22 Mount Maunganui 36, Opotiki 23 Te Puna 14, Greerton Marist 19 Te Puke Sports 28, Rangataua 26 Tauranga Sports 33.

Whakarewarewa 14 (Daniel Ngawhika, Chanse Perham tries; Te Rangi Fraser 2 con) defeated Rotoiti 6 (Tyson Ripia 2 pen).