United 'a different beast' ahead of derby

DERBY: Ngongotaha and Rotorua United (pictured) will meet this weekend at Neil Hunt Park. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Rotorua United are a "different beast" to the side which lost to Ngongotaha in round two of the WaiBOP Premiership earlier this year.

The two clubs are set to clash in the Rotorua derby tomorrow at Neil Hunt Park, during their WaiBOP Premiership encounter.

Ngongotaha escaped with a 4-3 win over United the last time the sides met in round two back in April, and the Villagers will be looking to pick up another three points tomorrow.

Ngongotaha are currently second on the ladder and are well in the hunt for the title this year, while United sit near the middle of the pack after being promoted back into the top grade this season.

United coach Rich Barter said the team had changed a lot since the last time they played Ngongotaha, but were still a work in progress.

"I think we are a different beast to the last time we played them. Last time, we were a new team going into the league."

He said Ngongotaha were an experienced side in this division and would be looking to stay close to the top of the ladder.

"Ngongotaha are an established team in this league. They know each other's game well and rightly so they are pushing for the title," he said.

"On the other hand, for us we are half a season into a three-year plan. We are definitely both at different stages but there is a quiet confidence around United that we can make the game on Saturday an entertaining match."

The Federation Challenge Shield, currently held by United, is also up for grabs this weekend.

The derby is kicking off at 2.45pm tomorrow at Neil Hunt Park.

- Premiership table: Cambridge 28, Ngongotaha 20, Melville United 18, Papamoa 17, Katikati 16, Tauranga Old Blues 16, Waikato Unicol 14, Rotorua United 13, Matamata 13, Otumoetai 9, Tauranga City 8, Tauranga Boys' College 4.