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Two local sides do battle in the Women’s Premier grade on Saturday but Papakura don’t see neighbours Ardmore Marist as being any different challenge to that they’ve faced all season.

While Ardmore Marist has been a standout in the grade for a number of seasons this is the first full campaign the Papakura outfit has taken part in.

Their campaign has been a success to date and the two sides match up closely based on results to this point.

But for Papakura coach Cynthia Ta'ala-Timaloa, they are just another team lining up against her ladies.

“No, we don’t [see them as a different challenge], Ta’ala-Timaloa said.

“This is our ladies first season playing and every game they play is a big challenge whether that be against the likes of Ponsonby, Marist or College Rifles – every game is a big test.

“It doesn’t sway us any way just because they are in our region – we respect every team we play against.”

Ta’ala-Timaloa is already pleased with what her side has achieved so far this season – they sit in sixth place on the championship table behind Ardmore Marist in fifth and have won three matches and drawn a game so far this season.

“The side is learning to play at this level – it is a massive step up not just physically but mentally as well,” she explained. “You need to be able to learn to play at this level and believe you belong here.

“It has never been about the results this season. That success doesn’t necessarily be defined by the score board. Getting a team to training, putting a team on the park and successes within those contests are all wins.

“We do have a goal to be in the final or to wins it but that is over the next three-five years so if we do any of that by some chance this season, that will be a bonus.”