They may be only three games into the season, but Tāneatua are showing they're competitive in the premier grade.

After a couple of years, of falling short in the premier reserve final, they managed to bag the 2024 decider in that grade and opted to make the step up in 2025 to compete against the Eastern Bay's top rugby sides.

It's a huge step for the side, who are in their fourth year back after a long hiatus with no men's side.

Despite two big losses first up, the side kept their composure and knew if they stuck at it they could compete against the premier sides.

Unfortunately, Saturday's result was another defeat, their third of the season, but it was a narrow loss to Poroporo, 29-26 at Rob Shaw Park.

Coach Geoff Olsen said they had been improving each week.

"To be honest, we probably should have won the game against Poroporo. Our basic errors let them back into the match and really hurt us. If we didn't make as many silly mistakes as we did, we shut the match out and win.

"That's rugby, and the boys will learn from that, but there were certainly a lot of positives to come out of the game."

Olsen said their set pieces had been strong every week.

"Our scrum has gone really well and we're happy with our lineout. All of the boys have stood up in different ways."

He said they were hurting following the loss but were looking forward to the rest of their matches.

"We will continue to improve and get better and hopefully a win will come. The boys wanted to go up. They are enjoying it. They knew it wouldn't be easy and there's still great spirit amongst the team."

Poroporo produced their best performance of the season to snatch victory.

Like Tāneatua, they had struggled the first couple of games but found some rhythm with an all-round team showing.
Poroporo captain Aymon Te Hauwaho was proud of his team and the effort they produced.

“It was good to get the first win as a captain and the feeling was good but still not satisfied.  [We are] willing to do whatever it takes to win a few more games. Let’s just say the jobs not done. But other than that, I was proud of my brotherhood for sticking in and showing up after two big losses. It is never easy to continue playing after losing but my boys are something else. We do it for our brothers before us, our brothers with us and our brothers after us.”

Raymond Phillips was outstanding for Poroporo, while Te Hauwaho also played strongly.

A try four minutes from fulltime secured Paroa a thrilling 27-26 victory over Ōpōtiki in their clash at Princess Street Reserve.

Big players stand up when required and that is exactly what happened in this game, with Paroa skipper Kurt Baker scoring the winning try and bagging himself a hat-trick.

Fleet-footed first five Mason Raynes also dotted down, while Jack Clark kicked a couple of conversions and a penalty off the tee.

Paroa coach Brett Wharewera said it had been a long time since they last won in Ōpōtiki.

“We had to really think about the last time we won there, so picking up a win at their home is incredible.

“I am really proud of how innovative we’re playing with the ball. Jack Clark led our attack, and we defended with vigour.”

Hami Smith played strongly at number 8, while Baker was inspirational and leading from the front, Wharewera said.

Rihari Biddle and Sam Hemopo played well in the win.

Ōpōtiki’s best in the loss were Tamarau Karepa, who found plenty of space down the left-hand side, skipper Tutangiora Mafi and midfield back Mana Howe, who used his kicking game to turn Paroa around.

Ōpōtiki’s young front row was also impressive, dominating at scrum time.

The clash between Whakatāne Marist and Rūātoki was deferred because Rūātoki had several players away for a kapa haka event.

In the EBOP Senior A competition, Ōpōtiki A and Paroa A played out a thrilling 35-all draw with the visitors scoring late to tie proceedings.

Te Teko B proved too strong for a spirited Edgecumbe side winning 31-20.

It was tight in the first half with Te Teko leading 12-10 at halftime, before overpowering the visitors in the second half thanks to a superior bench, Edgecumbe playing the clash with just 15 players.

Their best was hard working lock Lucas Clarke, who did his core roles well and made plenty of tackles.

Waimana played Poroporo B and proved too powerful, winning their contest at the Waimana Domain.

Matatā lost their clash against Rūātoki B 30-17.

All the teams have Easter off and return on April 26.