League: Ngongotaha outmuscled by Phoenix

Ngongotaha player Etuate Wainiqolo and his teammates need to improve after losing heavily to Taupo Phoenix on the weekend.

All is not well in the Ngongotaha camp, after they suffered their fifth defeat of the season, losing 44-4 away to Taupo Phoenix in the Waicoa Bay premiership.

Ngongotaha Chiefs were out-muscled in all areas of the field and now find themselves floundering at the bottom of the table with just one win to their name.

Head coach Joe Taute was completely disheartened with the performance and insists his side must improve in all areas or face staying rock bottom this season. "It was awful. We were lacking all over and we didn't do anything right with the ball.

"All the boys have to have a hard look at themselves and even have to decide if they want to play. I also have to look at myself and see how I can improve on things.

"This week we go right back to basics, make sure we hold onto the ball for the six tackles, and start trusting each other again."

The Taupo side had been the favourites going into the game, and are now fourth having won four of their six matches, which is largely thanks to an impressive defence and fitness level.

"We have spent a whole month solely looking at our fitness and defending the ball," said head coach Craig Hiha.

"It really showed from the off and we scored points very early on in the game, which settled our play.

"We also intercepted the ball a lot and it helped us that Ngongo were throwing the ball around and not being direct. This will be a launch pad for taking on top of the table Hamilton next weekend."

Ngongotaha, who have a bye next weekend, must look to show signs of improvement in their next match against Otumoetai Eels in round eight of the competition.

"At the moment there are only about three or four players pulling their weight and it just isn't good enough," said Taute.

"The next couple of weeks will be very hard in training, but we have to start seeing results and giving the fans something to cheer about.

"We are giving the ball away far too easily in game situations and I know the players are better than the performances they are giving at the moment."

Meanwhile, across town, Pikiao Warriors also suffered a disappointing loss, being defeated 33-20 by Ngongotaha's next opponents at Puketawhero Park. Pikiao had been confident going into the game against their third placed opponents, having previously defeated Ngongotaha 52-26 at home.

However, once again, their inconsistency showed as their defence were unable to keep the tough opposition out.

The result leaves Pikiao sixth on the table on five points and next weekend they face a testing game against United, who are just below them in the league standings.

Results:

Waicoa Bay Premiership: Hamilton City Tigers 102 United 6, Taupo Phoenix 44 Ngongotaha Chiefs 4, Taniwharau 50 Turangawaewae 6, Pikiao Warriors 20 Otumoetai Eels 33.

Waicoa Bay Reserves: Hamilton City Tigers 64 United 12, Reporoa Razorbacks 20 Central Lions 54, Taniwharau 34 Turangawaewae 22, Pikiao Warriors 16 Otumoetai Eels 16.

Bay of Plenty/Coastline Division 1: Papamoa Bulldogs 18 Tauhara Te Maunga 30, Mangakino Hawks 54 Taneatua Warriors 4.