PACIFIC SHARKS DISPEL PIKIAO WARRIORS RESURGENCE

In round three of the Waicoa Bay rugby league premiership an under strength Pacific Sharks team met their archrival Pikiao Warriors in Rotorua.

Warriors were licking their wounds after a toweling from mighty Taniwharau of Huntly the previous week and were looking to make amends.

In the earlier reserves game, Pacific and Pikiao were locked up at 16-all at halftime until the Warriors were able to take the initiative and win a close encounter, 26-20.

In the premier game, Pikiao played with determination and commitment until Sharks dynamo centre, Yannis Mea, was able to break a deadlock in the twentieth.

At halftime it was 16-6 to Pacific who were able to convert their territorial advantage into tries to potent centre Justus Riki-hamana and Sharks player of day Kale Pomare.

In the second half though it was all Pikiao who surged on the back of their commanding forwards to lead 22-20 with minutes to go in the game.

However, Pacific showed extreme composure with a team try for Rikinamana to score, 24-22.

Pomare was a thorn in the Warriors side with his adept organisation and unsettling defence.

Sharks forwards George Bennionlindsay and Brian Turia were also superb.

Other Premier Grade results; Otumoetai Eels 36 v 20 Taupo Phoenix, Hamilton City Tigers 72 v 0 Ngongotaha Chiefs, Turangawaewae 22 v 24 United.