Gemini Pepper Construction Kaierau have thrown themselves the barest lifeline in the race to keep their WRFU Senior competition playoffs streak alive with three big games remaining.

Solid home support on Old Timers and Sponsors Day this weekend at the Country Club cannot come sooner for Kaierau (3-5), who host table neighbours Black Bull Liquor Pirates (4-4) in another must-win game.

After making the semifinals in three consecutive seasons, finishing fourth, Kaierau have struggled this year against the top teams, especially those from the northern subunion, but last weekend’s nail-biting win over Tāmata Hauhā Rātana Brotherhood has left coach Mike Lama’s men clinging onto eight spot in a season with quarterfinals.

“Just a real tough game, Ratana really brought it to us in the forwards. They were all over us but we
managed to stay in the fight,” said Lama.

“It’s one of the more competitive competitions we’ve had, the Top 8 teams giving it to each other.”

While the team had a little extra help last Saturday with some Tasman Tanning Premier players –
representative prop Raymond Salu granted WRFU permission to play 40 minutes – others are carrying the can on the regular.

Flanker Eng Taito scored a great individual try in the first half with Rātana, second-five Opetini Dryden has Premier experience, while this season young halfback Tyrese Lama reluctantly accepted the captaincy.

“He can run the ‘coms’ from the forwards and the backs there,” said Mike Lama.

“It’s not the role he wanted but one he had to take on board.

“We’ve got a good culture in both our teams.”

The Kaierau Seniors were planning to run Thursday’s training session against their Premier clubmates to get as much preparation as they can for this late run – as the Pirates game will be followed by title contenders Forest 360 Marist Knights and finishes with McCrea Scanning Counties.

“The boys know we’re not cemented in that Top 8, anything can happen,” said Lama.

“We’ve just got to play hard rugby and be on top when the whistle blows.”

By Jared Smith

The Senior draw is June 4 th , 1pm kickoffs unless noted (times subject to change):
Marton vs Hunterville, Marton Park
Counties vs Ratana, Macnab Domain (2pm)
Border vs Celtic, Dallison Park
Knights vs Ruapehu, Spriggens Park
Kaierau vs Pirates, Country Club
Taihape vs Utiku Old Boys, Memorial Park