A last-minute penalty goal to Whakatāne Marist fullback Tamati Te Pou secured them a draw in their Eastern Bay of Plenty Premier men’s clash against Paroa at Rugby Park..

The 32-all draw reflected an incredibly even contest throughout and means both teams remain unbeaten in the competition so far.

Paroa made a fast start, racing out to an impressive 24-10 lead before Marist mounted a strong second-half comeback.

Paroa managed four tries with prop Danny Simon, flanker Kurt Baker adding another five points to his already impressive tally, and backs Mason Raynes and Rihari Biddle also dotting down.

Ethan Wharewera had a good game off the kicking tee, nailing three conversions and two penalty goals.

Marist’s points came through five tries, two to Te Pou, and others to Meli Salatagane, Cole Scott and Sitiveni Uitalia. Te Pou added two conversions and a penalty goal.

Coach Dallas Cole was proud of his team and the fight they showed.

“We definitely had some of the boys show their class as rugby players when the heat was on.”

He said it was a good physical encounter that tested both teams.

“What made me proud was probably the boys keeping cool under pressure and cohesion as a team, having faith in each other and all working hard for each other.”

After a heavy defeat last weekend, Rūātoki produced some cracking attacking rugby to defeat neighbours Tāneatua 42-26 in a thrilling contest.

Tāneatua weren’t to be outdone and scored four impressive tries, including a good solo effort to fullback Blake Barlow-Green.

The win leaves Rūātoki in fourth place on 11 points after they scored their second victory of the season.

In the final premier clash, Ōpōtiki speedster Braeden Elmiger knew how to find his way across the try line.  The outside back, who can also play centre or flanker, scored an impressive five tries in Ōpōtiki’s 88-0 hammering of Te Teko at Dunderdale Park.

Elmiger used his silky footwork and elusiveness to create plenty of havoc for the Te Teko defence.

His efforts helped Ōpōtiki score 14 tries in the victory with Creed Edwards and Tamarau Karepa scoring two tries each.

It was the first time Elmiger had scored five tries in a game – an impressive feat considering it’s only been done twice at Super Rugby level by the late Sean Wainui for the Chiefs and Crusaders winger Macca Springer, who managed five against the Western Force earlier this year.

Ōpōtiki coach Tuterangi Te Moana was proud of his team’s performance against Te Teko.

“I don’t think the score reflected the game at all; Te Teko had a few missed opportunities but were still in our face for the full 80 minutes; their physicality is still very much present in comparison to years past.”

Te Moana said it was a good all-round showing on attack and defence.

“I was allso very impressed by the grit displayed by our boys in holding out Te Teko from putting points on the board – not easy to do to a home team. That’s testament to the standard that the boys are holding themselves to, and I think that’s the same reason they seem to be clicking so well. They’re all out there trying to put on their best performance and that energy is what they seem to be feeding off.”

He said with reasonable numbers and a great culture it’s hard picking a side every week.

“Everyone played well but the standouts would have to be Tangike Borrel, Braeden Elmiger, Tāne Howe, Creed Edwards. However, their efforts are nothing without the rest of the team around them.”

He said Elmiger’s ability to find the try line was a bonus for the team.

“Braeden did bag five tries and has proven that he has the ability to score from every position, as a winger playing centre on the weekend, to making a cameo at open side flanker, as well.”

In the EBOP senior division, Matatā held out for a tough 29-21 victory over Paroa B, after leading for the entire contest.

Matatā coach George Playle said it had been great seeing different players stand up.

“I am very happy to see how far we’ve come; progress is always good.”

He said Paroa bought plenty of intensity for the clash.

“I was very surprised. We had limited numbers and Paroa showed up with a strong team.

“We were very happy to get the win; I think it boosted our confidence a lot, as well.”

Te Teko B made it one win apiece for the two clubs, outclassing the Ōpōtiki development side, 23-14. It was a tight battle with little separating the teams.

Poroporo B managed to pick up a key win, defeating Edgecumbe 43-31 in a high-scoring clash.

Waimana continue to show why they’re one of the top teams in this grade with a hard fought 38-36 triumph over neighbours Rūātoki B.

This weekend, there are some intriguing matches taking place.

Ōpōtiki will face one of their toughest challenges of the season when they host an unbeaten Whakatāne Marist at Princess Street Reserve.

Tāneatua play host to Te Teko at Rob Shaw Park and Rūātoki will be wanting to cement their top four position with victory over Poroporo at Tiwi Black Park.

In the EBOP Senior A competition, Ōpōtiki B welcomes Matatā, Edgecumbe plays host to Paroa B, Waimana tackles Te Teko B and Rūātoki B and Poroporo B do battle.