League: Taupo sends clear message

Taupo have sent out a warning that they are title contenders, with a convincing 38-12 victory over Pikiao at the weekend.

However, Pikiao coach Doug Unuwai won't be too concerned with the defeat after he rested half a dozen of his senior players.

Unuwai told the Rotorua Daily Post he was keen to give key players some well deserved rest, while also making sure his younger players got some time on the field before the playoffs.

Taupo are a hard team to beat at home and Saturday's win at Hickling Park gives the side a good chance of securing a home semifinal.

In the other match in the round, Pacific were too strong for the neighbours Forestland, running out easy winners 30-18.

Their reserve side followed suit, piling on 30 points against Ngongotaha reserves' 10.

In other Bay of Plenty Districts reserve grade matches, Mangakino were big winners over Reporoa 44-20, Central continued their winning form with a 42-24 drubbing of Taupo, Putaruru were equally impressive with a 54-12 defeat of Tauhara and Turangi picked up a good win over Pikiao reserves 34-16.

In next weekend's premier division draw, Pikiao get the bye while Taupo travel to Memorial Park to take on a wounded Forestland side and Pacific travel to Puketawhero Park to play Ngongotaha, who are well rested after their bye last weekend.

The reserve grade division sees Pikiao host Tauhara, Taupo at home to Mangakino, Ngongotaha taking on Reporoa at Puketawhero Park, Putaruru hosts to Central at Glenshea Park and Pacific hosting Turangi at Memorial Park.

Results:

Premiers: Forestland 18, Pacific 30; Taupo 28, Pikiao 12.

Reserves: Pacific 30, Ngongotaha 10; Reporoa 20, Mangakino 44; Taupo 24, Central 42; Tauhara 12, Putaruru 52; Turangi 34, Pikiao 16.