. PHOTO/STUART WHITAKER rdpsport110617sw01.JPG Whakarewarewa were well beaten on the scoreboard, but not downhearted after their game at Rangataua in Tauranga on Sunday.
Rangataua dominated the game, winning 55-10, but Whaka coach Ron James took plenty of positives from the afternoon.
"None of their heads dropped, they kept going right tothe end and that's a big thing," said James.
The red and blacks' ball retention was good throughout, but the home side's defence largely stood firm and they managed to do more with the ball when they had it.
Rangataua coach Paul Pou said he felt the visitors "gave it to our girls".
"I think our girls were just a little bit more hungry today," he said. "We talked about securing our ball and laying the platform in the forwards for our back to have clean ball and we had the speed on them outside."
James was trying out a new halfback, first five, second five combination, with first five Pania Tarei making the most of it by putting in some telling breaks and scoring the first of Whaka's two tries.
"I am pleased with the way we are going and the big thing is there are a few young girls in there and they are learning and we are learning as a team, so they are not downhearted."
It was the Whakarewarewa team's first trip away from Rotorua and James said there was still plenty to learn, but many of the things that weren't working could be remedied.
"We encourage positivity. We know we have things to work on as individuals and as a team and we'll get there."
Next Sunday is the final round of the first phase of the Baywide Women's competition before the seven teams split into a top four and a bottom three for phase two.
