Whaka prepared for final

GAME ON: Whakarewarewa are looking to tick off their final box by winning the final this weekend. Pictured: Whaka's Sioeli Alofi. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

Despite missing some of their vital players, Whakarearewa are feeling prepared heading into this weekend's Baywide Premier Two final.

They will be hosting Paroa, who they've beaten twice before, in the final at Puarenga Park tomorrow.

Whakarewarewa coach Kopae Irihei said four of the team's regular players had been chosen for the Steamers - who play their first pre-season game today - so wouldn't be able to play in the final.

"It's a big drop. We have been trying to plan around it for the last few months."

Missing will be Te Rangi Fraser, Eru Wano, Kelly Haimoana and Jordan Lay.

"We are as best prepared as we can be... it's hard for any team to lose four players, especially four of their regulars, but we are making sure we are doing everything we possibly could have to do everything we could have achieved."

Irihei said the team was excited to get out on the field.

"We are one of two teams that are lucky enough to get to the final. It was always one of our main goals once we got down to this division.

"We have ticked all our boxes so far and we've only got one left to tick. The boys are really looking forward to getting out there and putting in a good performance to finish off the season," he said.

Irihei said they had beaten Paroa twice and this time they had the advantage of a home game.

"We don't think anything will change from the last two games. We just have to make sure we do what we do and execute well. We beat them in the forwards and the backs last time. We have to make sure do our things right and just play to our strengths."

Paroa coach George Harawira said he thought his team was ready for the game.

"We have got a little bit closer each time we have played them, so we are confident."

Harawira reflected on his team's road to the premier two final which he said started a couple of weeks ago against Marist St Michaels then against Poroporo.

"We have played up in the forwards, but over the past couple of weeks we have spread it a little bit wider. So hopefully this weekend we can spread the defence and we have enough youth in there to capitalise on opportunities.

"Even if we don't win, looking forward our backline will be under the age of 24 next year. They have all had a few years' of senior or premier experience, so I am excited for them," Harawira said.

The game is being played at Puarenga Park, kick off at 2.45pm.

Baywide Club Finals on Saturday August 6

PREMIER 1
2.45pm kick off
Mount Sports v Rangataua at Mount Sports, Blake Park

PREMIER 1 DEVELOPMENT
12.30pm kick off
Mount Maunganui v Tauranga Sports at Mount Sports, Blake Park

PREMIER 2
2.45pm Kick off
Whakarewarewa v Paroa at Whakarewarewa Rugby Club

PREMIER 2 DEVELOPMENT
1pm Kick off
Opotiki v Waikite at Opotiki Rugby Club

DIVISION 1
2.45pm Kick off
Judea v Te Teko at Judea Rugby Club

DIVISION 2
2.45pm Kick off
Waimana v Murupara at Waimana Rugby Club