Whakatāne Marist’s Ro Cava Devo looks to take on the Ōpōtiki defence with Meli Salatagane in support in their side’s 37-22 premier division win at Rugby Park on Saturday.

WHAKATĀNE Marist showed just what an incredible culture and willingness to perform can do – win you a rugby title.

The team capped off their unbeaten season in fine style with a hard fought 37-22 win over Ōpōtiki in the Eastern Bay senior men’s premier final at Rugby Park.

Played in glorious conditions in front of a massive crowd, it was a final that delivered on all fronts.

Marist, who are an incredibly tight-knit group with a family vibe that plays a big part in their success, have had a 12-game winning run this year.

Coach Alamoti Te Pou said it had been an “awesome” season and competition.

“There were several games that were close, and the standard of Eastern Bay rugby is good.

“The standard of the competition the whole way through has been good, even the semi-finals were cracking games.

“We have had several tough games this season. There were three or four times where we won by less than a try, so that shows you how strong the competition was.”

Te Pou said Ōpōtiki had a strong year and were worthy opponents in the final.

“They are a tough outfit and have some great young talent coming through.

“We had to be at our best to beat them and were fortunate to come away with the win.”

Marist dug deep in a lot of their matches and found ways to win, whether it was up front or spinning the ball wide.

He said skipper Lemeki Cagialau had been a superb leader, while prop Sitivent Uitalia had gained selection in the Bay of Plenty under-19 Toa squad on the back of a strong campaign.

“Everyone has been a part of our winning run at different times. It’s been a real team effort.”

Other players to shine include Cole Scott and Ryshwan Vercoe, who have directed the team around, while Tamati Te Pou was exceptional in the final.

Marist found themselves down early as Ōpōtiki prop Kalin Elmiger bagged two tries.

However, their willpower to be there for each other and willingness to succeed kicked in and saw them score cracking tries.

Winger Tamati Te Pou starred with a hat-trick, while Tevita Utonovesi, Meli Salatagane and Ro Cava Devo also got across the line in the victory.

Coach Te Pou said having the finals at Rugby Park was a great advertisement for the Eastern Bay.

“Rugby Park was packed. It was great weather and a great atmosphere for rugby. All three games put it on for the crowd.”

Ōpōtiki player-coach Tuterangi Te Moana is proud of his team despite the result.

“It wasn’t the result we were after, but the team put in a big effort on the day.

“There were moments where it looked like we were going to take the game but unfortunately, we just couldn’t hold on to those moments.

“I am really proud of the work they’ve put in and how far they’ve come over the year, so it was a successful season in my books.”

Next year could well be an expanded competition with Tāneatua hopefully able to move into the top division on the back of their win in Saturday’s senior reserve final.

They managed a 16-12 win over Kawerau in a thrilling game at Rugby Park.

Tāneatua scored the only first-half points through kicker Rob Tai, before they bagged tries through winger Blake Barlow-Green and flanker Luke Sinkinson to sit 13-0 in front.

Kawerau refused to give up and responded with two well-taken tries of their own, with one converted to leave them trailing by one point, 13-12.

Tai then kicked a penalty with 12 minutes remaining and tight defence helped Tāneatua get across the line.

They may not have won the competition, but Kawerau can be pleased with their efforts in their first season back and have the building blocks to improve next season.

Tāneatua coach Geoff Olsen said they were pleased to come out victorious in what was a fabulous game.

“It was very tight. They are a good Kawerau team and could develop a long way.”

Olsen said it was a good win for not only the players in the team but the community and their supporters.

“It’s a case of third time lucky for us. I am pleased for the boys, they deserve it. They did it, they are the ones out on the field doing the job. I am happy for them and the club and community.”

He said their bench played a big part in the win.

“They injected something not in the game when they came on.”

Next year, Olsen is hoping they are allowed to step up a grade.

“Our intention is to go up into that prem division. That is where we want to be. They wanted us to earn the right to go up there and we feel we’ve done that now.”

Numbers have been strong all season and Olsen said at times it had been difficult leaving players out.

“It made good competition and rivalry for the boys to try and extend themselves and make themselves better.”

In the development grade final, Ōpōtiki proved too strong for Paroa B, running out 29-17 victors in their clash on Rugby Park 2.

Originally, Ōpōtiki B were meant to face Rūātoki, but Rūātoki played some unregistered players against Paroa B in their semifinal, so the latter was awarded the win.

Ōpōtiki B have been the standout development side all year and showed that with some strong form in the final.

They scored some cracking tries, but to their credit Paroa B also played some quality rugby in glorious conditions.

The win means three straight titles for Ōpōtiki B, a side that features plenty of youth and experience.

“We set a goal at the start of the year to try and make it a three-peat. We cracked it in the end, but it wasn’t easy,’’ player coach Kevin Waterson said.

He said it was a good game against a spirited Paroa side.

“Finals rugby is all about who wants it most and we just wanted it a little bit more than Paroa did.”

Waterson said it was a great way for some players to hang up their boots.

“Some of the older boys were having one last hurrah, so all the young boys stepped up and pulled through and complemented the senior players well.”

A highlight for Waterson was playing for Ōpōtiki alongside his two boys, Jax and Taj, and winning a medal in the final with Taj against his old club Paroa.

“Both teams put on a good show and there was some tight rugby until the final whistle.”

Next up in rugby circles is a series of matches for players who have been selected in the Eastern Bay men’s side, while there are also plenty of trophy games taking place.