Whakatāne Marist, Ōpōtiki and Paroa all impressed in the latest round of the Eastern Bay senior men’s rugby competition.

At Lawson Park, Paroa managed to overcome Te Teko 50-24 thanks to some skilful play from their backs.

Fullback Ethan Wharewera was in fine form, making some searing breaks and scoring an impressive try from halfway, while captain and everywhere man Kurt Baker also impressed.

Ben Moir was a menace at the breakdown and helped himself to a try while Rihari Biddle continues to show off some impressive skills each week.

Paroa’s strong attacking abilities saw them cross for eight tries.

Te Teko to their credit, attacked the entire game and were rewarded with four tries of their own.

The best for the yellow-and-blacks were Gavin Causer and Taine Enright.
At Rob Shaw Park in Tāneatua, Whakatāne Marist, who had a bye in week one, kicked their campaign in style with a 61-7 win over Tāneatua.

The home side have had a couple of heavy defeats but are improving each week in the top grade. Come the second round of games, they should be more competitive.

They threw plenty of attack Marist’s way, but the defending champions held firm and only conceded one try, while running in 10 of their own.

Coach Dallas Cole was pleased with his side’s first-up effort.

“They are a talented team. Ryshawn and Cole directed the team well and the forwards laid a good foundation. The game plan worked well and we took our opportunities. Tāneatua stuck at it for the entire game though.”

Zion Wipaki-McLarin was a standout on attack and defence while Meli Tamani had a strong game, as did prop Rhys Keighley and lock Sione Pulu.

In the final game of the EBOP premier division, Ōpōtiki outclassed Poroporo, winning 70-7 at Poroporo.

It was a clinical showing from Ōpōtiki, but Poroporo still played plenty of rugby and dug deep for the entire 80 minutes.

Winger Treymaine Butler continued his strong start to the season with a hattrick.
Referee Jaco Brouwer said it was a fantastic game of rugby.

“It was one of the best games I have refereed in a long time. Both teams were fantastic with their discipline and there were very few penalties. Credit to both teams. It was a good game of running rugby.”

Brouwer said they were short of referees and would love to see more people get involved because if there were no refs, games struggled to go ahead.

He said it was the best view in the house, and a great way to be involved in rugby.

One thing that needs to be improved around the Eastern Bay is the goal kicking with teams across all the matches leaving plenty of points on the field off the kicking tee.

In the EBOP A division, Edgecumbe picked up their first win of the season, a 39-12 victory at Edgecumbe Domain.

It was a step up from the previous week against Matatā.

Coach Craig Sinkinson said it was a pretty good performance.

“Being at home and having more players available helped. It was a hot muggy day, but a good hit out for both teams.”

He said there was little between both camps, however, Edgecumbe managed to finish off a few more chances.

Tamanui Hale at halfback was their best, showing a good range of skills and energy, while Brooke Bethel at number 10 guided the team around the park well and continued to build maturity in his game.

“The boys were chuffed to pick up the victory. We will keep ticking along and continue to build.”

Rūātoki B toiled hard and played some good rugby.

Paroa A managed to score a hard fought 24-17 win over Te Teko A at Lawson Park with flanker Jack Ferguson a standout.

Ōpōtiki A scored six tries to Poroporo A’s three in their 32-15 win.
It was their second straight win and keeps Ōpōtiki at the top of the standings.
Waimana picked up their first victory of the season with a tightly-contested 24-20 win over Matatā at the Waimana Domain.

In the premier grade this weekend, winless sides Tāneatua and Poroporo battle it out at Rob Shaw Park, Whakatāne Marist play host to Rūātoki at Rugby Park and Ōpōtiki welcomes Paroa in what will be a top of the table contest. Te Teko put their feet up for a week with the bye.

The EBOP A grade sees Ōpōtiki A battle Paroa A, Te Teko A facing Edgecumbe at Dunderdale Park. Waimana will jostle with Poroporo A at the Waimana Domain and Rūātoki B and Matatā collide at Richmond Park.