Apanui Lions have every reason to smile after being named Baywide Rip Rugby champions.

The team won a spot in the Baywide finals after winning the Eastern Bay of Plenty Rip Rugby Tournament and continued that hot form to win their year 3 and 4 Kendra Reynolds division in Tauranga last week.

Coming up against bigger schools from across the Bay of Plenty did not deter the Apanui side who showed incredible teamwork to defeat some quality opposition.

In the final they looked likely to suffer defeat, however, rallied with two amazing tries to snatch the title from Otumoetai Tahi with a 3-2 win.

Coach Glen Young is proud of his young side.

“We had high expectations for our teams this year. We trained extremely hard, lunchtimes, after school and even on Labour Day. Our year 5 and 6 side got soundly beaten in their first game by Mount Maunganui Primary, who went on to make the final, but they continued to rally and picked up three wins."

Young said it had been a few years since Apanui last had their name on the year 3 and 4 trophy.

“One of my Apanui teams won it about five or six years ago.”

As expected, teams adopted different playing styles and Young enjoyed seeing his side respond to each game plan.

“The best part about playing teams from different towns is watching their styles, their skills and picking up tips from other coaches. Also, it's always more nerve wracking or exciting to play the unknown and unfamiliar.”

He said they played some fantastic rip rugby as a team and deserved to be crowned champions.

"We are a small town, so it’s always great to attend these types of tournaments where we get to compete against the bigger schools from the cities. I am so proud of their dedication and passion and it’s great to see them have the opportunity to show off their skills.”

It was the type of tournament where a draw wouldn’t be enough unless you scored the first try, and since Apanui found themselves down early in the decider against Otumoetai, a win was what they required to become champions.

“Our goal is always the title no matter what.”

He said the school took 36 pupils and four teams to the Baywide finals.

At the qualifying day the week prior, held in Matatā, Apanui placed first and second in the year 5 and 6 division, and first and third in the year 3 and 4 grade.

They were joined by fellow Eastern Bay School Kawerau South in Tauranga with Ōhope Beach Primary unable to attend.

Apanui’s focus for next year is to defend their title.