Rugby: Full steam ahead for Whaka

Doug Edwards got among the try scorers as Whakarewarewa beat Te Puna 27-21 on Saturday. Photo/File

Throw a heavy workload at Whakarewarewa and they will take it and be ready for more. With four players turning out for Steamers trials and extra training this past week one would easily expect a lapse in focus, but not when it comes to taking their club towards Baywide glory.

Whaka remain in contention for a top four spot after running out 27-21 winners over Te Puna at Maramatanga Park on Saturday. Coach Ngarimu Simpkins described that match last week as "do or die". After Saturday's win he said the five Steamers hopefuls shouldered their responsibilities and took leadership onto the field.

Whaka dominated, closing down Te Puna at every opportunity and getting points on the board to give their season's ambitions more fuel, though Te Puna were able to score in the dying seconds to close the gap.

"It was a tough game," Simpkins said.

"We started off with a hiss and a roar and we pretty much dominated the first half but Te Puna came back in the second half. It was really tough. The score doesn't reflect the game - our forwards were dominant and our backs were scoring exciting tries. Te Puna were never really a threat to score - we had all the attacking opportunities.

"As a team we put a bit of emphasis on our [Steamers trialists]. They're the leaders in the club and they've answered the call - they all had strong performances, especially our captain Doug Edwards. We couldn't ask for much more. They've doubled up this week."

Simpkins said he was pleased with the efforts made by his team, especially as they remain on course for the finals.

"We're in control of our own destiny in terms of winning each game."

Meanwhile Rotoiti are already gearing up for the 2015 season, safe from relegation but not in the running for a finals berth.

They drew 5-5 with Rangataua, blooding three development squad members in the process.

"I'm pleased with how they went," said Rotoiti coach Kevin Lee.

"We're blooding our guys every week when there are injuries and players not available. We're out of the running for the championship and safe from relegation so it's about playing as hard as we can and looking at next year so giving the young fellas a run." Whakarewarewa 27 (Whaimotu Craft-Chemis, Doug Edwards, Kimo Houltham, Chanse Perham, William Grace tries; Te Rangi Fraser con) beat Te Puna 21 (Turohia Kuka, Bill Carter tries; Te Aihe Toma 3 pens, con).

Rangataua 5 (Joseph Allen try) drew with Rotoiti 5 (Junior Taia try).

Baywide rugby results on Saturday
?Premier: Te Puke 24 Mount Maunganui 18, Tauranga 84 Rangiuru 12, Rangataua 5 Rotoiti 5, Te Puna 21 Whakarewarewa 27, Opotiki 18 Greerton Marist 12.
? Development: Te Puke 15 Mount Maunganui 15, Tauranga 48 Rangiuru 0, Rangataua 59 Rotoiti 7, Te Puna 52 Whakarewarewa 5, Opotiki 34 Greerton Marist 29.
? Division One: Whakatane Marist 32 Ngongotaha 22, Paroa 31 Poroporo 24, Kahukura 31 Katikati 14, Te Teko 31 Marrist St Michael's 23, Waikite 29 Arataki 22.
? Bayfair Baywide premier club rugby standings:
Te Puke Sports 58, Mount Maunganui 50, Tauranga Sports 50, Whakarewarewa 49, Greerton Marist 46, Rotoiti 33, Opotiki 26, Rangataua 26, Te Puna 24, Rangiuru 14.