Derby game of mixed emotion for Whaka

Whakarewarewa coach Kopae Irihei will face his former side Ngongotaha in Saturday's derby. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

It will be a derby game of mixed emotion for Whakarewarewa coach Kopae Irihei as he faces his former "beloved side" in what is expected to be a highly competitive battle.

They take on Ngongotaha at home tomorrow in the final round of Premier 2 play before the semifinals next weekend.

Whakarewarewa's place is already sealed in the top four, after winning all six games of the competition in impressive style.

Ngongotaha still have the outside chance of making a coveted play-off spot, but they must secure a bonus points win and hope fourth placed Poroporo lose to third placed Arataki.

Irihei, who played for Ngongotaha for all of his playing career, said it would be very much a "special family occasion" as he will also face his brother in law - Ngongotaha coach Jodie Wharekura on the sideline.

"It will be an emotional day for me. It's my old club and there are a lot of family connections between the two," he said.

"But I'll have to put all that aside and concentrate on getting a result.

"We are already eyeing up the semifinals so the aim is to come out of this game unscathed.

"The team aren't expected to get an easy ride and it is vital that we don't let ourselves down."

The home side are full of confidence after beating second placed Paroa 35-19 away last weekend and scoring an impressive 297 match points in their unbeaten run so so far in Premier 2.

Ngongotaha are also on a high, coming into the game on the back of a thrilling 24-22 home derby win against Waikite last Saturday.

Ngongotaha captain Courtney Mita said the side are prepared for their "biggest game" of the season and insisted players have belief in themselves.

"Whaka are a classy team, and I expect a top level performance from them," he said.

"So we have to make sure that we hold onto the ball and execute well. Whaka don't make a lot of mistakes so we have to make the most of the ball when we have it.

"The players must have trust in each other and believe we can win.

"If players come off the pitch after playing with pride and heart and giving it their all then I will be happy."

Elsewhere in Premier 2, Waikite and Marist St Michael's don't have the chance of making the play-off spots however pride is still at stake for both clubs.

Seventh placed Waikite will look to bounce back from last weekend's disappointing derby defeat when they take on sixth placed Opotiki away.

Whilst bottom of the table Marist St Michael's face a difficult final home test against Paroa.

Tomorrow's draw:

Baywide Premier 1:
Premier kick-off 2.45pm/ Development kick-off 1pm

Rotoiti v Mount Maunganui, Emery Park

Whakatane Marist v Tauranga Sports, Rugby Park

Te Puke Sports v Te Puna, Murray Salt Stadium

Greerton Marist v Rangataua, Greerton Park

Baywide Premier 2:
Premier kick-off 2.45pm/ Development kick-off 1pm

Whakarewarewa v Ngongotaha, Puarenga Park

Opotiki v Waikite, Princess Street Reserve

Marist St Michael's v Paroa, Marist Park

Poroporo v Arataki, Poroporo Park

Baywide Division One:
Kick-off 2.45pm

Papamoa v Kahukura, Gordon Spratt Reserve

Katikati v Ruatoki, Moore Park

Rangiuru v Te Teko, Centennial Park

Edgecumbe v Judea, Edgecumbe Domain