Paroa produced a scintillating display of running rugby to showcase their premiership credentials in the latest round of EBOP Premier Rugby matches.

Their 90-5 triumph against Tāneatua was played in good spirits and despite the scoreline heavily in favour of Paroa, Tāneatua toiled hard for the entire 80 minutes.

Once again, captain Kurt Baker was sensational in the victory, while several other players also enhanced their chances of selection in the future.

Ethan Wharewera continued to show some silky skills from fullback, while Rihari Biddle and Ngatiki Wera-Cook continue to impress at senior level.

Paroa coach Brett Wharewera said the week off came at the right time because it meant they could rest some bodies before tackling Tāneatua.

“I'm really proud of our team's performance. Kurt Baker has been exceptional, leading by example every week and finding great form in our pack.

“Our backline has been special, scoring for all around the field. Young kids that back themselves and believe in one another.”

Wharewera said they’d had a couple of injuries, including one to a key forward.

“We have had some injuries; Ben Muir is a big loss, but our development players have filled in without missing a beat.”

He said it was great being able to recharge the batteries ahead of some tough matches.

“The break was good, and we maximised the opportunity to rest and prepare for the last games of the first round.

“Our team and whānau really enjoyed this match. The club is full of hearty supporters from both teams, which added to an electric atmosphere. It doesn’t matter where teams are on the table, it will be a battle.”

Whakatāne Marist continued their winning ways with a high-scoring 57-41 win over Poroporo.

It was a clash that saw both teams throw the ball around and decide that defence was optional on some occasions.

The win kept Whakatāne Marist unbeaten and their clash against Paroa next weekend will be a highlight.

Poroporo have shown great improvement after a slow start and will be looking to build on energy from their past couple of matches.

Captain Aymon Te Hauwaho continues to do a great job leading the side.
In the final premier contest, Rūātoki picked up a strong 37-17 victory in their match at Tiwi Black Park.

Coach Mark Pouwhare was proud of the team that delivered the win.

“Well, we were struggling for numbers to tell the truth. The Ahurei took a toll on our players. However, we were lucky we could call on some of our development players. We started well and we were able to put pressure on them and score some quick points.

“We were our own worst enemies at times; not finishing off movements, we left a few points out there. Hieke McGarvey was a standout at centre before getting injured. He looked dangerous every time he touched the ball, scoring a couple of good tries for us, and our forward pack as a whole played well to give our backs plenty of opportunities.”

It was a pleasing effort from a Rūātoki line-up that possesses some of the competition's best attacking threats in McGarvey, David Tawhai, Lacey Tuhaka, Reuben Pouwhare and Neelan Wera-Cook.

In the senior reserve competition, Matatā and Poroporo played out a high-scoring thriller with Matatā taking the spoils, 62-24.

Matatā will be proud of how they played and showed their willingness to attack with some great long range tries.

Ōpōtiki’s senior reserve team managed a 29-22 away victory over Edgecumbe at the Edgecumbe Domain. It’s proving a challenging campaign for Edgecumbe, which are struggling for numbers. If anyone wants to play some rugby and help out the team, they would appreciate it.

Paroa B were unable to overcome Waimana, losing 20-7 with Tamati Te Pou a standout for the red-and-blacks.

Rūātoki’s senior reserves made it a double delight for the club against Te Teko as they defeated the Te Teko B side 37-10.

This weekend sees Whakatāne Marist host Te Teko at Rugby Park, Paroa play host to rivals Poroporo and Ōpōtiki host Rūātoki, giving Tāneatua a much needed bye.

In the senior reserve grade, Paroa B’s clash against Poroporo B will be exciting, Waimana host Edgecumbe, Te Teko B are travelling to Richmond Park in Matatā and Ōpōtiki B welcomes Rūātoki B to Princess Street Reserve.