Waikite focusing on improved performance in local derby

Waikite player Turiki Tahuri attempts to slip out of a tackle. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Marist St Michael's host local rivals Waikite today, after a tough first match against an impressive Paroa in the Baywide Premier 2 division.Last weekend was the beginning of the second phase of the Baywide rugby competition in which the top four division 1 sides and the bottom four from the premier division will battle it out for a place in next season's Baywide premiership.

Waikite coach Kevin Lee said his players needed to ensure they were executing as a team.

"This round our team needs to step up with the execution of our skill and mental level when we face the teams in our section.

"Further to that we need to focus on an improved performance from last week's performance. We will be looking to keep the ball away from Marist St Michael's with speed.

"Marist St Michael's are well coached - they are accurate in the execution of their game plan and deliver with speed, which we will need to interfere," said Lee.

St Michael's coach Mike Lewis said the team learnt a lot from the game against Paroa - in particular the speed of the game and the physicality needed against the premier sides.

"I'm sure Waikite learnt some of the same things we did after playing premier side Poroporo last weekend.

"However, I'm not sure any of that will matter this weekend. Being a local derby it usually comes down to the team that can hold their nerve best.

"We just got one over Waikite in the first game of the last round, so I'm sure they will be out to make amends this Saturday."

Lewis said his team would look to "keep it simple", play in the right parts of the field and take their chances when they came.

"A lot of games have been played since we last faced Waikite.

"I'm sure their game has changed just as much as ours has in that time.

"This weekend we will just be trying to put in a shift we're proud of, and one hopefully our supporters can be proud of too."

The third Rotorua side in the division, Ngongotaha, take on Poroporo at home after a 39-19 away loss to Arataki last weekend.

Both games kick off at 1.30pm.