Waikite an unstoppable force

Waikite won their fifth game in a row on the weekend. Photo/File

WAIKITE are proving to be a formidable force in this season's Baywide Premier women's competition after the side won their fifth game in a row.

The reigning champions beat Rangiuru 24-15 away on Sunday after leading 17-5 at half-time. The unbeaten side dived over for four tries - captain Eliza Stephens scored two with sister Tina and flanker Chevy-Lee Crean also sliding over.

Taylor MacDougall kicked two conversions

Waikite coach Lee Uerata believed the experience within the side made the difference on the day as the team played in their most difficult game of the season so far.

Standouts included Sequoia Te Aonui at number eight standing in for Luka Connor who was away training with the Black Ferns squad.

Crean and Jamie Haumaha in defence impressed while Autumn-Rain Stephens once again shone at full back.

"It was always going to be a tough game and they had a very fit, talented side," said Uerata.

"They put a lot of pressure on us in the second half and were really spurred on by noisy home support.

"But our players were very composed and used all their experience. We could have let the result slip but everyone stayed focused and deserved the win.

"Rangiuru put a lot of pressure on and retained the ball well. This result was very much character building for us and will help us for the rest of the season."

Waikite top the table on 24 points but are only two points ahead of second-placed Tokoroa who they face away this weekend - in what will be the clash of the season. Skipper Stephens, who is in her fifth year captaining the side, is eagerly anticipating the clash and insisted her side will be fully prepared.

"These are the games which really show whether you are good enough to be champions or not," she said.

"At the start of the season we were the side everyone wanted to beat, and that is no different at this stage. It is going to be difficult away from home but we have the character and strength in the side to get the result we want."

"Our aim is to retain the title of course but we can't jump ahead. Tokoroa is a huge game for us and we have to be firing on all cylinders."

Tokoroa go into the game on the back of a 40-5 away win against Arataki on Sunday.
But Waikite have their eyes set on retaining their title with the semifinals and finals taking place next month.

"We keep building every week and we need to be hitting peak form for the semifinal stages," said the captain.

"The challenge is harder than last year but you want that kind of competition as a player as we are always wanting to improve as a team.

"Our head is on the chopping block for the title. Everyone is aware of that so we just need to keep calm and focus on playing well on the pitch."

Baywide Premier Results:
Saturday: Tauranga Sports 0 Rotoiti 59; Sunday: Rangiuru 15 Waikite 24; Arataki 5 Tokoroa 40; Te Whanau Apanui 29 Waimana 42
Baywide Premier Points:
Waikite 24, Tokoroa 22, Waimana 19, Rangiuru 16, Arataki 10, Rotoiti 6, Te Whanau Apanui 1, Tauranga Sports 0