Waikite bounce back after shock loss

Reigning champions Waikite are back on track to fight for the Baywide Premier title once again after an impressive win on the weekend. PHOTO/FILE

Waikite have their sights firmly fixed on retaining the Baywide Premier title for the second year in a row after making it into the semifinals.

The reigning champions crushed Tauranga Sports 61-0 on Saturday, in torrential conditions, crashing over for 11 tries.

There were stand out performances from captain Eliza Stephens, lock Kaci James and No. 8 Luka Connor.

Coach Lee Uerata was happy with the empathic victory and said the side put in a much improved performance after last weekend's 22-19 loss to Tokoroa - the team's first loss in the Premier competition since 2014.

"We needed to put in a strong performance and it was about trying out new moves and combinations, not just racking up a high score," he said.

"Everyone was geared up before the match and doing the simple things right really paid off.

"Players kept hold of the ball and didn't throw it around which would have been silly in the difficult conditions.

"All our set pieces were strong and our backs and forwards worked well together. All round it was a much better display than last week."

The result sees Waikite finish second in the table - one point behind Tokoroa, which means Uerata's team will play third placed Rangiuru at home.

Tokoroa host fourth placed Waimana in the other semifinal next Sunday.

Waikite are favorites going into the game after beating next weekend's opposition 24-15 away earlier in the season. However Rangiuru come into the crucial fixture on the back of an impressive 83-0 thumping of Arataki on Sunday.

But Uerata is confident Waikite will get the sought-after result and said he had been aided this season by t assistant coach Ronnie James who had a very 'technical approach" to the game.

"This is the most competitive season I have been involved with at the club. Any of the four clubs could take the crown because these are one off games," he said.

"However I am hoping that our experience will pay off and we have been massively helped by Ronnie - he has a very technical eye, and it's those finer details which can help you at the most crucial moments in a game."

Baywide Premier Results:
Waikite 61 Tauranga Sports 0
Rotoiti 29 Te Whanau Apanui 15
Tokoroa 33 Waimana 17
Rangiuru 83 Arataki 0
Baywide Premier Points:
Tokoroa 32
Waikite 31
Rangiuru 26
Waimana 18
Arataki 14
Rotoiti 12
Te Whanau Apanui 6
Tauranga Sports 0