Rotoiti pull out a big win over Tauranga

Rotoiti's Lorni Fisihoi tramples on the opposition during last year's clash against Tauranga Sports, much like they did at the weekend. Photo/file

Rotoiti pulled off a stunning win at Tauranga Sports on Saturday, but Whakarewarewa could only mange a bonus point in the opening weekend of games in the second phase of the Baywide rugby competition.

Rotoiti built on their victory over their neighbours the previous weekend with a 30-8 win at Tauranga Domain, but Whaka fell to Greerton Marist for the second time this season, losing 26-20 at home.

Rotoiti's win came on the back of a dominant second half performance after Tauranga were ahead 8-5 at the break.

Co-coach Willie Royal said it was built on the momentum created over the past two to three weeks and work on the training field being carried into the game.

"In the first half we just missed first up tackles and weren't winning our ball at the breakdown," he said. "We addressed those things at the half time break and the second half things just turned around quite dramatically.

He said the forwards and back began playing as a unit.

"We started running at holes instead of at people. The forwards started to build pressure up front and with the pressure came opportunities for us to run into holes and score points."

Whaka coach Joe Savage, who came on for the last 15 minutes of the game, said there were positives from the game, but in reality, Greerton were the dominant side and it was only a last minute try and conversion that saw Whaka take anything from the game.

"At the end of the day, when you are missing tackles and guys are running 50 and 60 metres, you're never going to win games if you are continuously doing that. Unfortunately they definitely had the upper hand on us in most facets of the game."

Whaka conceded possession twice early on by being penalised in possession, Greerton capitalising to score the first try of the game through fullback Marcus Hughes and it was a penalty, and the resulting field position, that saw Savelio Ropate got over for the visitor's second on the quarter hour.

Whaka began to gain some dominance in the second quarter after Kelly Haimona had given them their first points with a penalty, and with the forwards taking charge, were rewarded with a penalty try.

"We picked up the game at times. Particularly when forwards took control of the ball, we looked like the dominant side." said Savage.

The half needed with a purple patch for the home side but that couldn't be converted into points, and the break killed the momentum Whaka were building.

In contrast, Greerton came out firing in the second half, with Ropate scoring his second try out wide and then Greerton's Andre Boyd going over after Whaka had been uncharacteristically pushed off the ball at their own scrum.

A collapsed scrum saw Haimona slot another penalty, but, despite having the lions share of possession and position, and reserve back Chauncy Edwardson doing his best to spark the attack, Whaka could only manage one more try, reserve prop James Lay going over and Haimona adding the conversion to secure the bonus point.

Savage said that, at least, showed character.

"We didn't just give up, that's a pleasing thing, but by the same token, throughout the game there were times where people tended to stay away and not get involved too much. It's frustrating to know you've actually got it got - we've got the core of a side - its' just trying to get the best out them for a full 40 minutes is the hard thing. That's up to me now."

Next Saturday Whakarewarewa travel to Te Puke, while Rotoiti host Mount Maunganui.

Results
Baywide Premier: Te Puke Sports 32 v Te Puna 26, Rotoiti 30 v Tauranga Sports 8, Greerton Marist 26 v Whakarewarewa 20, Mount Maunganui 38 v Rangataua 33
Baywide Development: Te Puna 37 v Te Puke Sports 26, Tauranga Sports 36 v Rotoiti 15, Greerton Marist 40 v Whakarewarewa 22, Mount Maunganui 61 v Rangataua 5.
Baywide Division 1: Kahukura 25 v Waimana 10, Ngongotaha 97 v Ruatoki 5, Rangiuru 45 v Katikati 20, Waikite 41 v Opotiki 24, Papamoa 33 v Judea 19
Marist St Michael's won by default from Te Teko.