A whopping 38 tries were scored by the top three teams in the latest round of the EBOP Premier Men’s competition.

Ōpōtiki ran riot against Rūātoki running out comprehensive 88-0 winners, Paroa won 86-12 against neighbours Poroporo and Whakatāne Marist were too clinical for Te Teko, winning 60-0.

Ōpōtiki and Paroa managed to get across the tryline 14 times in their wins, while Marist scored on 10 occasions, capping off an attacking weekend of rugby in the top division.

It’s the second successive week Paroa have put on a huge score and their young side are putting the rest of the competition on notice with such performances.

New recruit Muri Stewart, who moved to the club this season, is equally adept at halfback or wing, and showed his speed with an impressive hattrick against Poroporo to help them win the Wawi Hohapata Trophy.

Fleet-footed fullback Ethan Wharewera also had a good day out as he helped himself to a hattrick and eight conversion for an impressive 31-point haul.

Paroa skipper Kurt Baker carried on his outstanding try scoring run with another two, taking his efforts well into double figures for the season.

Halfback Jack Clark found plenty of space and helped himself to a brace of tries.
Kaue Kaue, Mason Raynes, Ngatiki Wera-Cook and Rihari Biddle were the other try scorers in the win.

Poroporo, to their credit, refused to give in and were rewarded with two well-taken tries.

Wharewera, Hamiora Smith at number eight, and Baker continue to impress, while Dylan Maui and Jackie Ryan Clarke were Poroporo’s best.

In the clash at Rugby Park between Whakatāne Marist and Te Teko, the yellow-and-blacks would have fancied their chances because it was Marist’s first match in a month, so they were virtually starting the season again.

However, that wasn’t a factor as the green-and-blacks came out firing and scored some impressive tries in their win.

Lock Sitiveni Uitalia clocked up an impressive hattrick, while winger Saiosi Vakapuna, and replacement Cody Neale both scored doubles as Lemeki Cagialau, Keyham Kafalava and Samiu Paumolevuka also bagged five pointers.

Marist showed a willingness to throw the ball wide and that paid dividends in the victory.

Whakatāne Marist coach Dallas Cole was proud of his team and their performance on the park.

“The boys showed a real steel sort of focus leading into the game and it showed.
“They have been working hard on their systems during the week, and the team has really come together collectively.”

He said it was challenging with about a month off due to a bye, rescheduled game and Easter but the team adapted well.

The boys have been putting in the hard yards and a big focus is on individual training and also everyone contributing to the team culture.”

At Princess Street Reserve in Ōpōtiki, the home side chucked the ball round from all parts against a depleted Rūātoki lineup.

Flanker Te Awaitaia Rools helped himself to four tries, while the ever-impressive Braeden Elmiger, playing on the wing, managed a hattrick.

Hard-running number eight Luke Morris scored a double while the rest of the tries were shared around a number of players.

Ōpōtiki managed to convert nine of their tries with Mana Howe kicking four of them.

In EBOP senior A division, Waimana continued their winning ways with a hard-fought 32-22 win against Edgecumbe, who continue to do incredibly well putting teams on the paddock despite struggling for numbers.

Tamati Te Pou, Dallas Curtis and Benji Tuwairua were the best for the home team, while Brett Haugh and Larky Bethell performed strongly for Edgecumbe.
Paroa A proved too strong for Paroa B running out 62-17 victors thanks to Decovan Taotofi and Kelly Downes both scoring hattricks. Downes also completed six conversions.

Poroporo fought hard and scored three well-deserved tries.

Te Teko B continued their strong recent form with a well-earned 32-22 triumph over a plucky Matatā outfit.

Ōpōtiki A and Rūātoki played out an 86-point thriller in the early clash at Princess Street Reserve with the home side winning 50-36.

Diego Phillips and Ridge Tai managed two tries each for Ōpōtiki as they outscored Rūātoki, eight tries to six.

This weekend in the premier division, Whakatāne Marist host Paroa, Te Teko welcomes Ōpōtiki to Dunderdale Park and Rūātoki challenge neighbours Tāneatua at Tiwi Black Park.

In the Senior A Grade, Poroporo B host Edgecumbe, Ōpōtiki A travels to Dunerdale Park, Matatā are set to host Paroa B, while Rūātoki B welcomes Waimana to Tiwi Black Park.