Waikite in hot form going into the Cup

Waikite have bounced back from a heavy defeat against Rangiuru last week with a 65-0 hammering of Rotoiti.

The win yesterday saw them secure third place and the opportunity to compete with the other top four sides for the Cup in the second round of the competition.

Waikite flew out of the blocks in the local derby with a try in the first few minutes.

First five-eighth Dolly Roberts made a tackle-breaking bust up the middle before being taken down metres short of the try line.

Halfback Rahera Stainton was on hand to scoop the ball up off the back of the ruck and score the first try of the afternoon, under the posts.

Rotoiti fought back with a period of sustained possession and several penalties but the Waikite goal line defence was immense and held them out.

Fifteen minutes into the game, after soaking up pressure at their own end, Waikite had their second try.

They pounced on the counter-attack and worked the ball up-field before spreading it wide for fullback Autumn-Rain Stephens to score in the corner.

Roberts' in-game kicking was exceptional all afternoon as she consistently got Waikite out of trouble and into good field position.

After another period of pressure inside the Rotoiti 22, Luka Connor crashed over for the first of her three tries in what would prove to be an outstanding 80 minutes of rugby for the loose forward.

Waikite continued to dominate territory and possession and Connor scored twice more for a well-deserved first-half hattrick.

Waikite led 29-0 at the break.

CHARGING: Waikite loose forward Jamie Tukiri-Haumaha makes a rampaging run against Rotoiti at Bellvue Rd on Sunday. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Waikite started the second half as they finished the first and tries to Roberts and Stephens extended the lead to 41-0 with 25 minutes left to play.

Rotoiti fought hard all afternoon but a combination of coming up against a resolute Waikite defence and producing errors at crucial times prevented them getting on the score sheet.

Despite the lead Waikite showed no signs of slowing down and piled on another four tries to win 65-0.

Waikite coach Shane Wilson said it was a good time to find form as this week marked the start of the second round of the women's competition.

"I was really proud of our girls.

"We just tried to concentrate on rugby all week, not any of the other things happening around us, and it seemed to work quite well," said Wilson.

He was impressed with the performance of the three-try-scoring Connor.

"We just told her to run straight again and she was running straight today - heaps of metres."

After being caught out by a few quick taps by their opposition last week Waikite worked on getting back quickly when they conceded penalties, which Wilson believed they did well on Sunday.

"The girls have a bit of belief in themselves, now we just have to carry it on."

Rotoiti coach Victoria Grant said Waikite beat her side in "most aspects".

"I was happy with our girls' mental space, they kept fighting for the full 80 minutes and never gave up.

"That can be hard when you're down so that was a massive positive and I think there are still positives we can take out of the game," said Grant.

The win was enough to secure third place for Waikite who will now compete with the other top four sides in competing for the Cup.

Meanwhile, Whakarewarewa needed a win to secure fourth place going into the second round but lost 60-10 to Rangiuru.

The loss saw Whaka drop from third to fifth as they were leap-frogged by Waimana, who beat Apanui with a bonus point to claim fourth place.

Whaka will now compete with Rotoiti and Apanui for the Trophy.

Baywide Premier Women's Results:

Rangiuru 60 v Whakarewarewa 10
Waimana 60 v Te Whanau Apanui 0
Waikite 65 v Rotoiti 0
Rangataua - Bye