League: Rotorua teams have tough end to season

TOUGH SEASON: Rotorua's Pikiao Warriors (pictured) and Ngongotaha Chiefs have had a challenging time in the Waicoa Bay premiership this year. PHOTO/FILE

The Rotorua league community had a disappointing end to the Waicoa Bay premiership after both Pikiao Warriors and Ngongotaha Chiefs suffered defeats in their final games.

Pikiao were beaten 32-12 at home to Taupo Phoenix whilst Ngongotaha lost 68-16 against an impressive Pacific Sharks side on Saturday.

The semifinals next weekend will see top qualifiers Hamilton City Tigers host the fourth-placed Otumoetai Eels, while the second-ranked Pacific Sharks will be at home against Taniwharau.

Despite not finishing on a high Ngongotaha manager Andrew Taylor praised his side for a "spirited season" and is hopeful for success next year.

"It's been a challenging season in many ways for everyone involved at the club," he said.

"But we can take a lot of positives, especially about our performances in the second half of the season.

"If we had played like that in the beginning, who knows we may have been up there challenging in the semifinals.

"It's been a building stage for this club and there is a lot of quality and potential in the current squad for the future."

Pikiao coach Henry Lingman in his debut season coaching the team, said this season had been a "steep learning curve".

"This year has been about starting from the beginning in many ways. We have a lot of very young players and new faces in the squad," he said.

"For me it's been a real challenge which I've enjoyed. Of course there have been difficult times but that comes with the role.

"We started off in very encouraging form and it's just been a real shame about all the injuries we have picked up.

"For us fitness has been the real issue and I'll be working hard on that with players ahead of next season."

Results

Waicoa Bay Premiership

Pikiao Warriors 12 Taupo Phoenix 32

Pacific Sharks 68 Ngongotaha Chiefs 16

Taniwharau 26 United 26

Turangawaewae v Otumoetai Eels (postponed)

Hamilton City Tigers - Bye

Waicoa Bay Reserves

Pikiao Warriors 20 Reporoa Razorbacks 0

Pacific Sharks 36 Central Lions 18

Taniwharau 20 United 0

Turangawaewae 10 Otumoetai Eels 28

Hamilton City Tigers - Bye