They may not be flush on numbers but that didn’t matter as the Ōpōtiki women’s rugby team picked up their first win of the season last Sunday.

Playing against neighbours Waimana at the Waimana Domain, Ōpōtiki, with just two reserves, scored themselves a 29-12 victory.

It was a good performance against a plucky Waimana outfit that refused to lie down.

There were several standouts for Ōpōtiki in the win, although player-coach Helena Coughlan was just chuffed with the performance of everyone involved.

“The ladies performed really well despite the poor weather conditions.

“We dominated in the scrums and lineouts and had possession of the ball most of the game.

“I thought we did pretty well for our first time together and the run around we had as a team.

“Waimana were very physically up front, very strong on their carries; it was definitely a forwards game from both sides.”

Coughlan said everyone stood up throughout the clash.

“The whole team played well. Arlyce Paora played amazingly, breaking the opposition line and scoring an impressive try.

“Sally Kurei finding the space and hitting gaps and running 80 metres before being chased down was a pretty special moment.

“Chrissy Lloyd, our number 8, was making big yards running off the back of the scrum.

“It was awesome to see the ladies just put on an awesome display of women’s rugby.

“Ōpōtiki outscored Waimana five tries to two with Danea Kopa, Paora, Tarmera Katene, Kurei and Coughlan all finding the try line.”

Coughlan said she was very happy with the result.

“Win or lose, we are just happy to be fielding an Ōpōtiki women’s team this season.”

She said this Sunday would be a challenging match with Ōpōtiki welcoming Te Puna to Princess Street Reserve at 1pm.

“They will be very tough.”

Meanwhile, in the EBOP senior men’s competitions, which resumed after a week off over Easter, the Ōpōtiki men’s senior reserve team picked up a 29-22 win over Edgecumbe at the Edgecumbe Domain.

The seniors had the bye, but are back in action this weekend at home against Rūātoki, while the senior reserve teams from both clubs also face off.