League: Hungrier Sharks make meal of Chiefs

The Pikiao Warriors have bounced back from a heavy defeat to record a win over the Otumoetai Eels in Rotorua. Pictured is Pikiao player Scott Evans (with ball). Photo / Stephen Parker

Tokoroa's Pacific Sharks have kept their perfect record alive this season after defeating the Ngongotaha Chiefs 58-14 in Tokoroa.

The Sharks are the in-form side in the Bay of Plenty Coastline premier competition this year, having recorded four straight wins to open the season.

Tokoroa coach Paniora Daniels said the culture within the club was really good this year and all the players wanted to succeed.

"I think the guys have really bought into what we are trying to do this year and be a bit more professional."

He said losing the grand final last year to Pikiao was a bit of a wake up call for many of the players, and they were looking to improve this year.

Daniels said that was highlighted by their run of results.

"Our defence this year has probably been our strength, whereas last year we scored a lot of tries but we lacked a little bit in defence."

To give an example of the standards set at the Pacific Sharks this year, players are not only expected to turn up to training but also maintain a certain fitness level.

Daniels said players were tested on their base fitness plus strength and faced being dropped if they were not up to scratch.

He said having the likes of Jeremy Siulepa back in the squad, after being involved with the Newcastle Knights last year, had also helped the club.

He said two standouts for the team this year were brothers Tamatoa and Victor Karora-reu who played on the same side of the field as a winger and centre combination.

Meanwhile, defending champions Pikiao managed to beat a good Otumoetai Eels team 32-22 on Saturday, bouncing back from a heavy defeat a week before to Pacific.

In the other premier match, Taupo Phoenix defeated the Mangakino Hawks 76-10 on Saturday.

In the reserve grade, the two undefeated sides Central Lions and Pacific Sharks met in Tokoroa battling out a thriller. Pacific eventually prevailed 36-34 to go to the top of the ladder.

Saturday's results:

Premier: Pikiao Warriors 32-22 Otumoetai Eels, Pacific Sharks 58-14 Ngongotaha Chiefs, Taupo Phoenix 76-10 Mangakino Hawks.

Reserve grade: Pikiao Warriors 42-38 Otumoetai Eels, Pacific Sharks 36-34 Central Lions, Reporoa Razorbacks 66-0 Taupo Phoenix.

Division one: Forestland Falcons 36-10 Putaruru Dragons, Putauaki Stags 42-32 Tauhara Te Maunga, Whakatane/Taneatua Warriors 84-8 Papamoa Bulldogs.