Second placed Pikiao looking to increase gap

Pikiao Warriors' Scotty Evans takes a hit-up against Mangakino last weekend. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Sitting second on the table with six wins out of seven, Pikiao Warriors can put some distance between themselves and their nearest rivals tomorrow.They take on third-placed Pacific in the Bay of Plenty/Coastline premier competition.

Coach Jason Parata expected a "very tough game".

"We're one-all with them so far this season, but they've been the benchmark for the Bay for the last 10 years.

"They've got a good team culture, which they've had for years - that's their biggest strength.

"They're pretty strong all around, they're just a good league club," said Parata.

The Warriors have worked on improving defence this week after being forced to make late comebacks during a lot of their games this season.

Last week they came back from 22-12 down against Mangakino to win 32-24.

He would like to see his side start strong and maintain that intensity throughout the match.

"We know a couple of losses and we're back to where we were - it's a tight competition at the top of the table and we really want to keep our spot."

His instructions to his team in the lead-up to the game have been to play their own game and leave emotion out of it.

"It's a big physical game and everyone will be trying to put big hits on.

"It's about how you deal with it emotionally - we're trying to stick to playing our game."

Last weekend was the last game for Percy King, who moved to Australia this week.

"He's been with the club since he was a school boy.

"Experience wise it is a big loss but it is probably one we can cover."