Ngongotaha on hunt for third win in a row

Ngongotaha Chiefs will have to soldier on without influential player James Filipo. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Ngongotaha Chiefs must "control discipline" if they are to beat a top Waicoa Bay premiership side, according to manager Andrew Taylor.

Seventh placed Ngongotaha face a difficult challenge when they take on fourth placed Otumoetai Eels away today, in round 17 of the rugby league competition.

Morale is high in the camp after back-to-back home wins against local rivals Pikiao Warriors and Taupo Phoenix in their last two fixtures.

Taylor is confident of causing an "upset of sorts" but said the side would be relying on reserves to step up after injuries to several key players including the influential James Filipo.

"On our day we can beat anyone because we are strong in all areas," he said.

"We will have to make sure of an all round performance and make sure we cut out mistakes and hold onto the ball.

"We have enough in attack to scare teams and we have to use our pace and power.

"It's disappointing that we have some of the big boys out but it just means reserve players must prove their worth. I want it to bring out the best in them."

Otumoetai Eels narrowly beat Ngongotaha in the reverse fixture but come into the game on the back of a 28-26 away defeat to third placed Taniwharau.

Ngongotaha are feeling refreshed after a bye last weekend and Taylor stressed a positive mental attitude will be the key to victory.

"We've had time to go over our game play and plan and I think in some respects we are in a better place than our opposition," he said.

"The team need to take their confidence into this game and play with spirit and pride.

"Our attitude has continued to improve with each game this season and we need a final big push in the last two games."

Ngongotaha are just one point behind sixth placed local rivals Pikiao Warriors but with two games in hand due to cancelled games throughout the season.

Mathematically both Rotorua teams have an outside chance of reaching the semifinals next month.

But Pikiao must bounce back, after a slump of losing their last five premiership games, when they take on bottom of the table Turangawaewae at home today.

"We can still have a positive end to the season," said Pikiao manager Henry Lingman.

"The side have suffered some knock backs but we have enough quality in the side to pick ourselves up."

Today's games:

Waicoa Bay Premiership
(Kick-off 2.45pm)

Pikiao Warriors v Turangawaewae, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua

Otumoetai Eels v Ngongotaha Chiefs, Mitchell Park, Tauranga

Pacific Sharks v United, Memorial Park, Tokoroa

Hamilton City Tigers v Taniwharau, Resthills Park, Hamilton

Taupo Phoenix - Bye

Waicoa Bay Reserves
(Kick-off 1pm)

Pikiao Warriors v Turangawaewae, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua

Otumoetai Eels v Central Lions, Mitchell Park, Tauranga

Pacific Sharks v United, Memorial Park, Tokoroa

Hamilton City Tigers v Taniwharau, Resthills Park, Hamilton

Reporoa Razorbacks - Bye

Bay of Plenty/ Coastline Division 1
(Kick-off 1pm)

Tauhara Te Maunga v Papamoa Bulldogs, Hickling Park, Taupo

Mangakino Hawks v Taneatua Warriors, Mangakino Rugby Club, Mangakino

Putauaki Stags - Bye