Volcanix eyeing future success

Bay of Plenty Volcanix player Mystery McLean-Kora and her side finish with a battling performance in their last game of the 2016 Farah Palmer Cup on Saturday. Photo/File.

The Bay of Plenty Volcanix will be a "future force to be reckoned with" according to coach Brendon Webby after they put on a battling performance in their final 2016 Farah Palmer Cup match of the season.

The Volcanix lost 27-0 away against Wellington at the Jerry Collins Stadium on Saturday but put in a spirited performance, keeping the score to just 5-0 at half-time.

Webby was happy with his side's display, despite the result, and said Wellington's size and quality of players, which included several Black Fern players, was the difference on the day.

"At half-time we were really in with a chance, the team played so well especially in the forward effort," he said.

"We matched them for physicality and our aggression at the break down was superb.

"But the size of their forwards and the dreadful conditions just got on top of us in the second half.

"They also had some very influential returning Black Ferns players which really made a difference."

The result saw Wellington finish as one of the top four sides below first placed Counties Man, Canterbury in second and third placed Auckland - who will now battle it out in the semifinals on September 24.

"We can be proud that we pushed such a good side," said Webby.

"It was just about being that little bit more clinical and having experience in certain situations which comes with time."

The Volcanix have failed to win in this year's Mitre 10 sponsored competition, losing all six of their matches but Webby has high aims for the future of the squad.

"This season we have made a good start to where we want to be," he said.

"We have had fantastic support from the Bay of Plenty Union and now come under the high performance umbrella which helps bring professionalism into the squad.

"With the potential here we can certainly aim at finishing in the top four and competing from next season.

"If this same group of players stays together and focuses on the skill and fitness level this will be a very tough team to beat."

Webby said local standouts from this season were Waikite player and Volcanix captain for the season Kaci James, and Rotoiti players Lavinia Gould, the Volcanix vice-captain, and talented youngster Lily Florence.

The 2016 Farah Palmer Cup semifinals will take place on September 24 and the final on October 1.