League: Coach fails narrowly to guide team to victory

Ngongotaha coach Dominic James was forced to pull on his boots to try and rescue a win for the club in a match against Pacific on the weekend.

James said the club had only 13 players in their game against Pacific on Saturday, including himself.

However, despite his efforts, Ngongotaha were unable to snatch victory with Pacific scoring in the last 10 minutes to run away 30-22 winners.

"It could have been a different story if we had a couple of subs. I thought we played pretty well with 13 players ... but fatigue caught up with us," James said.

James, who scored a try in the match, said it was the first time this season he had to play himself.

"And I hope it will be the last," the club veteran said.

He said despite the loss there were still plenty of positives to take from the match.

"Like I said, if we can play as well as we did on Saturday with 13 players then imagine how good we could be with 17."

James said a few players had really put their hands up during the game including the experienced Joe Nuku and debutant Rawiri Holmes, 18, who played at centre.

Ngongotaha scored five tries during the match with some un-characteristic kicking from John Ririnui hurting them.

Pacific has opened up a gap between themselves and Ngongotaha on the ladder, although both teams still remain in the top four.

Meanwhile, second-placed Taupo received a scare from Forestlands (Tokoroa), with Taupo just sneaking home in a tight match 28-26.

League leaders Pikiao had the bye.

Next week will mark the halfway mark of the Bay of Plenty Rugby League premier competition.

Reserve grade results:

Taupo 26 Putaruru 40, Central 34 Mangakino 24, Pacific 68 Tauhara 8, Ngongotaha 18 Pikiao 54, Reporoa 58 Turangi 14.