Waikite to target Arataki scrum

FRONTRUNNERS: Caroline Corbett and her side Waikite lead the way in the division going into tomorrow's clash against Arataki. PHOTO/FILE

Top-of-the-table Waikite will look to build on their confident start in the Bay of Plenty Women's Club Rugby competition tomorrow.

However last year's champions must be on top form as they host second-place Arataki at Bellvue Rd.

Waikite go into the game after comfortably beating a young Rotoiti side 61-5 in the season opener.

Coach Lee Uerata is pleased with his team's positive start but has warned his side to watch out for a strong Arataki scrum. "We are going to continue to do what we do every weekend and play to the best of our ability," Uerata said.

"We have a very good team this year, I possibly rate it a little bit better than last year, in terms of commitment. Week-in week-out everyone is turning up to training and giving everything, which gives me lots of options come matchday.

"On Sunday we will have a strong forward pack and we also have a good backline, however I do know Arataki have a very strong scrum, and we will target to meet that.

"We will do what we did last week - grind away and do the basics right. For us it is pretty much putting pressure on the other team for them to make their mistakes and for us to capitalise off them."

Waikite top the table on 5 points, while Arataki and Waimana are just one point behind.

Arataki go into the game with a positive first result - narrowly beating Apanui 34-24.

"Waikite is definitely the form team of the competition, with a well-rounded team, with strengths in both the forwards and backs and have a number of experienced players," said Arataki's manager Calli Turner.

"But our approach this weekend is to concentrate on our own game, and completing our sets and enjoying our rugby.

"We faced very tough opposition against Apanui, which highlighted a few areas we need to work on and have been doing this week.

"Our side are in a rebuilding phase, with nearly a brand new team. In this weekend's game we will look to give our new girls exposure to playing against a strong and competitive team.

"There is a lot of raw potential and our goal this year is to invest in our players and build on their strengths."

Elsewhere, Rotoiti will look to improve from their defeat against Waikite as they take on third-placed Waimana away.

"It will be a very hard game. They have a very strong forward pack and have good players in all areas on the pitch," said Rotoiti's Freda Hohepa.

"But we learnt some hard lessons against Waikite which will only help us improve for this game."

Baywide Premier Women

Tomorrow (all 1pm kick-off)

Apanui v Rangiuru, Te Kaha

Waikite v Arataki, Bellvue Rd

Tauranga Sports v Tokoroa, Tauranga Domain

Waimana v Rotoiti, Waimana Domain