Senior A berth almost to hand

Last year, many at Ngongotaha would've admitted they were not quite ready to step up into the Baywide Senior A championship. That the young side coached by former Bay of Plenty representative Dennis Beckett were able to graft their way from the region's third to second tier was a triumph but they simply didn't have the experience or ability to push their way further. Things are a little different in 2008. "I always said this was a three-year plan and this is the third year," said Beckett after his side toppled section two leaders Greerton Marist 27-18 at Ngongotaha Domain on Saturday afternoon. The Villagers ran in five tries to one and the difference in this year's side was pretty obvious. At 2.01 metres tall and about 115kg, Bay of Plenty Steamer John Moore tends to stand out in most crowds. The 30-year-old lock was certainly a dominant figure in the latest Ngongotaha effort - arguably their best for many seasons - as they smashed their way forward and battered the life out of Marist's attacks with committed defence. Moore, who played his first senior game for Ngongotaha in 1998, was mobile and powerful. He shifted many a ruck, scored a try and produced some telling tackles while also supplying lineout possession. He could have had a try double but the referee was unsighted as Moore was driven over the tryline by his teammates.
"John got that," said a convinced teammate who led the jeers of the local supporters. The Ngongotaha backs attacked in turn and with a little luck and composure may have scored a couple more tries for their efforts. It was certainly an 80-minute endeavour of quality and one to build on for Moore if he gets on the paddock for the WASPS (BOP XV) against Harlequins this Wednesday in Hamilton. He has played 38 games for the Bay union but how many more rests with the selectors as they look to mould and confirm their combinations for the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup. Moore is one of a few older heads who have turned out for Ngongotaha this season, adding some important experience to the young talents which have come through with Beckett from Ngongotaha's JAB and colts programme and Western Heights High School. Ngongotaha was once the leading powerhouse of Rotorua and Bay of Plenty club rugby. They were beaten Baywide premier finalists in 2000 and previously had won five regional titles before they lost players, their way and started spiralling downwards into the lower club ranks. It was an unthinkable demise for the proud club who schooled Bay of Plenty All Blacks Hika Reid and John Brake and provided many rep players for the region. Current captain Davey Beckett, nephew of Dennis, said it's a goal for this side to get the club back into the top grades. "Touch wood there's still a long way to go but that's the goal," said the Central Bay representative who acknowledges the return of Moore from two years in France and a couple of other worldly faces has been crucial this season. "That's been the difference. John Moore, Joby Reid and Jodi Wharekura are the difference to bring these fellas through," said the 24-year-old halfback. With eight wins from 10 matches, Ngongotaha are on the rise. Saturday's win - and the bonus point for four tries or more - has assured them a place in the Senior A competition for the Baywide championship which starts in a fortnight. The top four sides from section two will duel with the bottom four from section one for the Senior A title while the top eight clubs play for the Baywide Premier trophy, last year won by Tauranga Sports. Also qualified from section two is Greerton Marist, Rangiuru and Arataki while Waikite and Whakatane Marist will definitely be dropping down from section one. The fourth demotion won't be known until after next weekend.