It looks as if it is Ōpōtiki’s competition to lose.

The EBOP premier men’s team produced one of their best performances of the season to dismantle table-toppers Paroa 52-19 in their clash at Lawson Park on Saturday.

Ōpōtiki ran in eight tries in the victory and managed to convert six of them, with a strong base up front laying the platform for some impressive touch downs.

Ōpōtiki player-coach Tuterangi Te Moana, who has been behind a big culture shift at the club, was pleased with the performance.

“We’re stoked with the win … It was a really important game for us, not only for table position but for confirmation that we are making the necessary adjustments and improvements moving towards the back end of our season.”

He said it was pleasing to get victory against them after falling short in their first-round contest.

“It was nice gaining one back on Paroa after our first-round loss to them. I’d have to say we treated this game like game two of an origin series, so it was something that we just needed to get done and, as a bonus, it put us at the top of the ladder.

“We’re glad that we have the chance to recover with our upcoming bye, but we know we still have our work to do during the week and we’ll continue to improve our game where we can.”

Te Moana said an ability to play how they wanted set them up for the win.

“Game plan and structure were key parts of our win, but I think ultimately our attitude got us through the 80 minutes.”

He was pleased with their set pieces, something Ōpōtiki always work hard on.

“Scrums and lineouts were very favourable for us both on attack and defence with us being able to disrupt and challenge each one of theirs.

“I think that’s a testament to the attitude of our forward pack. Our outside backs remained electric with ball in hand, and it was a great match up out wide for both teams. It was a good day on the boot for us as well, being able to convert the majority of our tries.”

He said it was getting tough to pick standouts each week but that was a good problem to have.

“Our best were Creed Edwards, Tamarau Karepa and Braeden Elmiger in the backs. Arlen Newton and our flankers Te Awaitaia Rolls and Matthew Anstis in the forwards.”

This weekend they have a well-deserved bye before playing Rūātoki away, Te Teko at home and Whakatāne Marist at Rugby Park to finish the round robin – all matches they’ll be wanting to win.

Whakatāne Marist picked up a tough 31-0 win over Rūātoki at Rugby Park.

Number eight Keyfam Kafalava was superb for the home side, while their five tries went to Ryshawn Kereama-Veroce, Kafalava, Ro Cava Devo, Cole Scott and Joseva Naigalevu.

In the third match of the EBOP Premier division, a spirited showing from away team Tāneatua helped them to a 24-15 victory over Poroporo at Poroporo.

It was one of the better performances by Tāneatua, who up until then only had the match victory.

They saw plenty of space and attacked, used their set pieces well and played good energy rugby.

It was an awesome showing from the visiting side who have made the step up to premier with aplomb, showing they belong in that grade.

In the EBOP senior reserve grade, Edgecumbe are starting to string together some cracking rugby with another great win, this time over neighbours Te Teko B 23-19.

It was a game Edgecumbe coach Craig Sinkinson said was well refereed by Max Ratana and featured plenty of action.

Both teams looked to throw the ball around and it was noticed with some cracking tries.

Edgecumbe were down on personnel with inspirational captain Brett Haugh one of their many players sidelined through injury, but they carried on and showed great fight.

Edgecumbe came out of the blocks quickly and scored a couple of good tries before Te Teko found their groove and made it an arm wrestle for the remainder of the first half.

In the second half, Te Teko came out firing and managed a good try, then Edgecumbe fullback Brooklyn Bethell kicked a couple of superb penalties to keep Edgecumbe in the contest.

The visitors scored to go ahead 19-18 before Edgecumbe scored and then spent the final few minutes defending their line.

Sinkinson said he was incredibly proud of his team and the fight they continue to show each week.

Ōpōtiki B had a tight tussle with Paroa B but they failed to return home with a positive result going down 19-17. Waimana won a tight clash 20-14 against Poroporo B with four tries.

In the final Senior reserve clash, Matatā ran out impressive 33-0 winners over Rūātoki.

This weekend in the premier grade sees Te Teko and Rūātoki facing off at Dunderdale Park. Paroa travel to Tāneatua for their clash, while Poroporo have the tough task of trying to beat Whakatāne Marist at Rugby Park.

The reserves sees Te Teko and Rūātoki B battle in the early game at Dunderdale Park, Matatā is at home to Poroporo at Richmond Park, Opotiki B face Edgecumbe and Paroa B get to battle Waimana.