League: Villagers vow to shake off jinx

Ngongotaha play at home tomorrow against Otumoetai. Pictured is Ngongotaha player Joshua Taylor (with ball). Photo / Ben Fraser

Ngongotaha coach Rob Kemp has labelled his side's start to the season as unlucky after a terrible run of injuries.

Ngongotaha have lost five games on the trot in the Bay of Plenty Coastline premier competition and have had up to 11 players out injured at the same time this season.

Last weekend they had a few players back and Kemp said they were looking to rebuild their season.

"Yeah, it has been very unlucky," he said. "We had 11 out at one stage. So we got five back [last weekend against Pikiao] and at the end of the day they were just on the rusty side."

He said they would try to get their first win of the season tomorrow against Otumoetai at Puketawhero Park.

"Our goal is still to get in the top four this season. It is not out of our reach yet. The morale is still high and we are still tight as a playing group. We are just one win away from getting the confidence to kick on."

He said that, with players coming back last weekend, they started the game well against Pikiao, before going on to lose 30-16. "There was plenty of promise. The speed at which we started the first half in attack was good but we just ran out of puff. But that's what we are trying to play this season, an up-tempo style of game." He said a real positive this weekend would be if all his players pulled up without an injury.

In the other premier games, league leaders Pacific will play at home against Taupo at Memorial Park, while Mangakino will host Pikiao at Mangakino Rugby Club.

Draw for Saturday (round seven):

Premier (2.30pm): Mangakino v Pikiao, Mangakino Rugby Club; Pacific Sharks v Taupo Phoenix, Memorial Park; Ngongotaha Chiefs v Otumoetai Eels, Puketawhero Park.

Reserve grade (12.45pm): Pacific Sharks v Taupo Phoenix, Memorial Park; Central Lions v Otumoetai Eels, Puketawhero Park; Reporoa Razorbacks v Pikiao Warriors, Reporoa Rugby Club.

Division One (1pm): Putaruru Dragons v Whakatane/Taneatua Warriors, Glenshea Park; Tauhara Te Maunga v Forestland Falcons, Hickling Park; Putauaki Stags v Papamoa Bulldogs, Tarawera Park.