Pikiao left to rue flat performance

DEFEATED: The Pikiao Warriors have suffered just their second loss of the season in the Bay of Plenty/Coastline premier rugby league competition. PHOTO/FILE

A flat second half has seen the Pikiao Warriors lose 36-16 away to Pacific on Saturday.

In just their second defeat of the Bay of Plenty/Coastline premier competition the Warriors were right in the game as they went into half time locked up at 12-all.

Coach Jason Parata said his side "didn't really come out" in the second half.

"Our boys were a bit flat and Pacific just sort of ground away and wore us down.

"It was everyone on the field for them, they just played better league than us in the second half," said Parata.

He said the game was an example of "what not to do" for his side and he hoped it would spark them into life for the remainder of the season.

"It's better to have a loss like that now than come semi-final time.

"We did a bit of soul-searching in the changing room afterwards and had a bit of a talk about things.

"We were probably due for it, we had some really good wins and some lucky wins - we knew if we didn't knuckle down we'd get beaten and that's what happened.

"We'll be working on having trust on the guys inside and outside you on defence and working for them."

Despite the loss he said centre Cameron Walters had a standout game.

"His whole game was good, his defence is rock solid and he set up a couple of tries - he's probably one of the quality centres of the competition to be honest."

Next weekend Pikiao will look to bounce in the local derby against the Ngongotaha Chiefs this weekend.

The Chiefs had the weekend off with a bye this round.