Rugby: Waikite prevail after scare

Waikite's Ethan Draper in action against Marist St Michael's on Saturday at Bellvue Rd. Photo / Stephen Parker

Waikite survived a scare from Marist St Michael's, Whakarewarewa defended the Tai Mitchell Shield, and Rotoiti were simply too good for Ngongotaha when the Central Bay of Plenty local round kicked off.

The five-week tournament is being held this year ahead of the Baywide premier and first division competitions, which start on May 2.

It is a good chance for Rotorua clubs to test themselves before the Baywide and there is plenty of local pride on the line with the Tai Mitchell Shield and the Banner up for grabs.

Rotorua's two heavyweights Whakarewarewa and Rotoiti had straightforward wins on Saturday against division one sides Kahukura and Ngongotaha.

Whaka, who currently hold the Tai Mitchell Shield, raced away to a 59-5 win over Kahukura at Puarenga Park while Rotoiti smashed Ngongotaha 85-0 in Ngongotaha.

The closest match of the opening round was between newly promoted premier side Waikite and first division side Marist St Michael's.

Waikite pushed out to a 15-0 lead in front of their home supporters at Bellvue Rd, but Marist came back in the second half to make it 15-14.

With about 10 minutes left on the clock, Waikite held their nerve and scored two late tries to win 27-14.

Waikite coach Charles Te Kowhai said he was not thrilled with how his team played, but that's what can happen in these local derby matches.

"That is the thing with local derby matches, everyone knows everybody and anybody can beat anyone on the day," he said.

He said Marist played really well.

Te Kowhai said he had chopped and changed a lot of players for the game, and would be looking to build their starting combinations over the next few weeks.

"Five games will give us more time to develop and finalise our combinations going into the premier grade."

Te Kowhai said a few players had returned to the club from overseas this year, but there were no new caps in the team for the upcoming season.

Try scorers for Waikite were Anthony Flint, Pointon Ngatai, Barley Collier and Albie Lawrence while Kelvin Hatcher and Todd Canning crossed for Marist.