Ugly win still a win for Pikiao

Pikiao centre Cameron Walters pushes away from the Ngongotaha defence in Saturday's derby game at Puketawhero Park. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

In a game where neither side shone in the discipline department, it was no surprise that yesterday's Rotorua derby between Pikiao and Ngongotaha's crucial moment was a sin binning.

In the final quarter of the game Ngongotaha reserve forward Tai Tauiliili-Pelesasa was given a 10 minute sit down for interference at the play-the-ball with his side two points behind and looking like they could score more.

Instead, within moments, Pikiao fullback Noel Te Rangi went over in the right hand corner and the wind was taken from the Ngongotaha Chiefs' sails.

Lorne Green unselfishly gave the ball to Quentin Ryan for another try while Tauiliili-Pelesasa was still in the bin. His first action on returning was a high tackle that saw him off the field again, this time for good. Te Rangi then scored his second of the game to make the final score 40-24.

Ngongotaha coach Jason Walker said discipline was something his side needed to sort out.

"Some of the boys, I don't know, they are just lazy - just throw their arm out," he said of the high tackle penalties his side conceded.

But he said there was promise in the performance, with his side showing up well early and then getting close before being reduced to 12.

"There were some good moments on attack and defence - but to be consistent is the big thing. It's all about composure."

Pikiao coach Jason Parata said he was happy to take the win.

"It wasn't a pretty win at all, it was pretty ugly, but I'm glad to get the two points and the players are too," he said.

"It was the first time playing them for the year, and not knowing what to expect. Any win over Ngongotaha is a good win, but it was good to see they had [playing] numbers."

Dodging a player on the ground. Photo/Stephen Parker

Pikiao had their own disciplinary issues, giving away three penalties in a row early, with the pressure proving too much when prop Matini Matini went over. With little possession, Pikiao were doing it tough and after forcing a drop out, Chiefs' fullback Pesini Tavake gave a neat inside pass to Eroni Seibouma who ran a nice angle across the grain to score. Neither try was converted.

It wasn't until the end of the first quarter that Pikiao managed to secure some possession, and the first try came when back rower Green was put through a gap. He was tackled short, but not held, and managed to scramble over the line for his side's first try.

The scores were tied when Scott Evans took advantage of a tiring defence before Kihiroa Wihapi dived over close to score. There were worrying signs for Pikiao with Wihapi injuring his shoulder in the process of scoring. He was off the field for the rest of the half,
but returned after the break.

Ngongotaha's defence held out under extreme, but self inflicted, pressure after too conceding three quick penalties as Pikiao threatened their line, but after some spirited goal-line defence, it was a midfield break by Percy King, who took a high shot for his trouble, that led to the final try of the half to make the score 22-8.

Ngongotaha started the second half as they had the first, and after Tai Kapua had gone close, it was Tavake who went over wide on the right with Tofiga Falanai following that up after Pikiao winger Stonie Bartle had fumbled a high kick.

Bartle made amends moments later to help himself to a try after Pikiao ran the ball on the fifth. Ngongotaha responded after going blind from a scrum, Falanai taking the ball the same way again from dummy half to bring Ngongotaha to within two.

Tauiliili-Pelesasa, who had been instrumental in his side's try moments earlier, then fell foul of the referee and that was the game.

Next weekend Pikiao are at home to Otumoetai while Ngongotaha travel to Mangakino.

Pikiao reserves went down 23-22 to Papamoa Bulldogs in the curtain raiser.