Baywide women's rugby gets under way

Whakarewarewa player Antoinette Kereopa in action against Rangiuru in last weekend's Baywide women's club rugby pre-season tournament. Photo / Ben Fraser

The hard yards have been put in throughout pre-season and this weekend the Baywide women's rugby competition kicks off.

On Mother's Day the defending champions Waikite host Whakarewarewa in what is always a hard fought local derby.

Waikite have lost several players from last year's champion team and did not compete in last weekend's pre-season tournament, so how they will line up is relatively unknown. However, if history is anything to go by, they will turn up ready to compete at the highest level.

Head coach Shane Wilson said he was looking forward to seeing new faces take to the field and outlined a focus on players learning the team structures this weekend.

"It's about getting our girls out there and trying to get into our system and keep learning - hand on the ball and getting a few tackles in."

Despite having some big shoes left to fill, he wanted his players to remain playing at their own standard.

"Just our girls trying to do what they do best, not trying to emulate what those girls had."

Whakarewarewa played in last weekend's pre-season tournament in which they lost 14-5 to Rangataua and 22-0 to Rangiuru before beating Waimana 25-10 in the third place playoff.

Head coach Ron Preston was also excited to see the new talent hit the field this weekend.

"I'm looking forward to the season. [We have] a lot of new ladies with some real potential, and it will be a good challenge coming up against Waikite. I'm sure we will improve on what we do this weekend," Preston said.

Meanwhile, Rotoiti start their season with a home game against pre-season champions Rangiuru.

Baywide Premier Womens Rugby Draw
Sunday
Kickoff: 1pm

Rangataua v Waimana
Waikite v Whakarewarewa
Rotoiti v Rangiuru
Matata: Bye