Two blowouts and a tight tussle is how the first round of rugby matches unfolded in the Eastern Bay of Plenty senior premier men's competition.

Te Teko, under a new coaching team of Carlos Savage, Sasu Wihapi and Asa Wimutu, put in an impressive showing first up to run out 62-15 winners over Poroporo at Dunderdale Park.

It was a quality showing from Te Teko across the park with the yellow-and-blacks outclassing the blue-red-and-whites.

Although it was a good start for the Te Teko senior A team, their focus moving forward is about creating the right environment and culture to keep players at the club so they can reward the club and the community.

"'The team is building well with good structures, but a lot of improvement is needed to match the likes of Paroa and Marist," Wihapi said.

They have picked up a couple of fantastic recruits in first five Kahu Kiel and fullback Milan Milosevic, both of whom starred in the victory.

Others to shine included lock Bailey Williams, flanker Clarke Rangi and replacement loose forward James Tarei.

For the visitors, Dylan Maui had a strong match and despite being well-beaten there were plenty of positives for Poroporo to take from the opening round.

Paroa's young and skilful backline helped them to a hard fought 37-32 victory over Rūātoki at Tiwi Black Park.

It's not an easy place to go and win, so Paroa would have been pleased to pick up the points against a solid Rūātoki outfit.

Paroa flanker Kurt Baker managed an impressive double, while speedster Ngatiki Wera-Cook and new signing Muri Stewart, all scored in the win.

Rūātoki coach Mark Pouwhare was proud of his team's first showing, despite the loss.

“I think the team played well in patches, but at times we were our own worst enemy, like trying to run it out of our own half, make a mistake and Paroa would punish us for it. That happened twice. It was a very physical game with both teams going at it. Overall a very enjoyable game to watch.”
Their two best players were Whare Williams at fullback, who was dangerous every time he touched the ball, and former midfield back David Tawhai, who was solid in the forwards.
At Princess Street Reserve, Ōpōtiki produced an impressive showing to hand Tāneatua a 75-14 loss.
Ōpōtiki wanted to play running rugby and that’s exactly what they did, stretching the Tāneatua defence and scoring some good tries.
It was a superb all-round effort from the 2024 beaten finalists.
Tāneatua will take a lot from their first match in the premier grade and will know the level they want to reach to be competitive.
Ōpōtiki assistant coach David Te Moana said Tāneatua put up a good fight despite the scoreline.

"Our boys were incredibly fired up. You could see that from the start. Tāneatua were caught a little bit by the pace, I think, but they really did play for the 80 minutes. They did some good stuff in the final 20 minutes and grafted it out the entire game."

Standouts were co-captains Rori McGough and Tutangiora Mafi, while Jye McGough at halfback and Mana Howe, two guys who played out of position, were also superb.

Braeden Elmiger was moved multiple times before kick-off and shone, while Tamarau Karepa and Treymaine Butler were a handful on attack.

Another shining light was the performance of Cale Lloyd, someone who Te Moana feels could have a big campaign.

Ōpōtiki were credited by the referee for their sportsmanship when calls were made and their respect towards him.

"There are still plenty of work-ons, for us but we're a young squad and the boys showed they're heading in the right direction."

In the senior A grade, Ōpōtiki B and Waimana played out a cracking contest at Princess Street Reserve with the home side scoring a 36-29 win over Waimana, who returned to the competition after a year away.

Matatā, who have a new coaching team in 2025 with George Playle, Clayton Thompson and Taichi Playle in charge, picked up a good 36-27 victory first up in the clash at Richmond Park, which was a good game of rugby for the opening round.

Leyton Tangitu and Ben Spence were two players who stood out for Matatā, while Egdecumbe got plenty from their new players.

Brett Haugh led well from number eight having an industrious game and Jason Angland at centre also played well on attack and defence, with a nicely balanced performance.

"It was our first hit out, so I wasn't expecting too much but the team effort overall was solid considering lack of preparation and numbers, so I know improvements will come," Edgecumbe coach Craig Sinkinson said.

Te Teko B showed they’ll be strong in the premier reserve and A grade as they defeated Poroporo B 41-15.

The closest clash of the round was Paroa B and Rūātoki B, who settled for a 24-all draw in what was a cracking game.

This weekend sees Whakatāne Marist kick off their campaign with a trip to Rob Shaw Park, Paroa host Te Teko and Poroporo welcomes Ōpōtiki to Poroporo Rark, while Rūātoki gets a week off.

In the senior reserve grade, Poroporo B and Ōpōtiki B collide, Te Teko B travel to Lawson Park to face Paroa B, Waimana welcomes Matatā and Edgecumbe battles Rūātoki B.