The Ōpōtiki women’s rugby team have made it three straight victories.

After two positive showings over the opening two weeks, they’ve managed to produce another quality effort to defeat Greerton 51-12 in Tauranga.

It was another outstanding effort from Ōpōtiki, who again had only limited numbers on the bench.

Player-coach Helena Coughlan said it was a tough contest.

“It was tiring, we had to work hard, there were just too many scrums and lineouts.”

She said there were still plenty of work-ons moving forward, including support play.

“We made it harder for ourselves, though, because when we broke the line, our ladies were hanging back and watching.”

Any victory is one they will take with a smile, Coughlan said.

“We did well with three subs … our ladies did their mahi that was required, and I couldn’t be any more proud of them.”

Combinations in key positions helped when it came to the side clicking on the field.

“Most of us have already played together, so we know how each of us play.

“We just try to keep it a free-flowing game, we have a game plan we all know and just keep it at that, while expressing ourselves individually and having some fun out there.”

She is full of praise for the entire team but a select few did stand out.

“All our ladies played awesome, but Jossy (Franklyn) and Blaire (Collier) were powerhouses, turning over the ball, making big runs and massive tackles, while Ocean Hata and Wency-Ree Rewi found plenty of holes.”

Ōpōtiki managed nine tries in their win. Coughlan bagged a double, while Leilah Amai, Rewi, Collier, Hata, Atawhai Mokomoko, Chrissy Lloyd and Sally Kurei also found the white line.

In the other championship game, a superb showing from Waimana saw them pick up their first victory of the season with a 43-17 triumph over Arataki at the Waimana Domain.

Fullback Te Ariana Tito was superb, while Michalah Wardlaw-Ruru and Umere Takao made plenty of impressive ball carries.

Rūātoki hosted Mount Maunganui but were beaten 53-33 in an entertaining contest at Tiwi Black Park.

Mount Maunganui were able to roll out Black Fern Alena Saili for the second half.

Rūātoki showed plenty of positives with Jayde August, Te Oriwa Ahuriri and Wairere Te Moana their best.

Te Urupounamu McGarvey managed an impressive individual try, which saw her bust through several defenders.

The women will be eyeing up this weekend to grab their second win as they face fellow Eastern Bay side, Poroporo, who head into the contest fresh, following a week off through a default.

Poroporo coach Geri Paul said her team were itching to get back out on the park.

“I’m expecting Rūā to bring direct running and all the fire that comes with it; I don’t expect anything less. It’s going to be a good game.”

Rūātoki captain Ereti Williams said there was plenty of excitement building for this clash.

“The only two EBOP teams in the top division and we will be hoping to move into third position on the table.

“There are a few girls who play league for us in the Poroporo team and a couple that are from Rūātoki, so connections throughout the team.”

Meanwhile, Ōpōtiki face last-placed Te Puke at Murray Salt Stadium and Waimana travel to Rotorua to face the Kahu Pirates at Kuirau Park.