Rugby: Resolute Whaka charge into semis

Whakarewarewa are through to the semifinals of the Baywide premier rugby competition. They defeated Mount Maunganui 7-3 on Saturday. Photo/Ben Fraser

Atrocious conditions did little to dampen the celebrations at Puarenga Park, as Whakarewarewa charged into the Baywide semifinals.

Whaka defeated Mount Maunganui 7-3 on Saturday to cement their place in the playoffs, during the final round of the regular season.

The result means Whaka will play Tauranga Sports away next weekend in their semifinal while Te Puke Sports will host Mount Maunganui in the other semifinal.

Whaka captain Doug Edwards said there was a great feeling of relief after the final whistle sounded.

"We were under the pump for probably three-quarters of the game," he said.

"I'm really proud of all the boys. We talked about it all week - beating our opposite on the field and winning every little battle. We knew if we did that we would win."

The wind and rain had a big part to play in the low-scoring affair, but Whaka's defence was the main ingredient.

Their goal-line defence stood tall on a handful of occasions to stop Mount Maunganui scoring a single try.

The only try came in the first half when Whaka made a break down the left edge.

Fullback Whaimotu Craft-Chemis put a small grubber kick in behind the defence before Leighton Simpkins snapped it up and scored.

Mount pulled the score back to 7-3 in the second half but they could not find a way through Whaka's defence.

The victory almost earned Whaka a home semifinal spot, but Tauranga Sports defeated Greerton to make sure they remained in second place.

The Tauranga result also saw Mount Maunganui finish inside the top four and Greerton miss out on a place.

Meanwhile, Rotoiti suffered a 50-14 loss to Te Puna to cap off a disappointing season for the Rotorua side.

Rotoiti had a good start to the year but have since been decimated by injuries and players leaving the club.

The only good news for Rotoiti is they will be back next year in the premier grade after Rangiuru were the team relegated.

Baywide premier final standings: Te Puke 68, Tauranga 64, Whakarewarewa 63, Mount Maunganui 61, Greerton Marist 56, Te Puna 34, Rotoiti 33, Rangataua 30, Opotiki 27, Rangiuru 14.

Whakarewarewa 7 (Leighton Simpkins try; Te Rangi Fraser con) defeated Mount Maunganui 3 (Cayden Matehaere pen); Te Puna 50 defeated Rotoiti 14 (Wayne Ormond, Curtis Deanes tries; Junior Taia 2 con).