The Ōpōtiki women can be proud of their most recent showing on the field despite losing 31-10.

Ōpōtiki were well beaten by unbeaten Whakarewarewa for the second time this season, but it was a super effort from a side light on personnel that hadn’t trained in three weeks to manage work load and injuries.

They never stopped battling for the entire contest and despite the early loss in their new top four, still have two more games where they can hunt for wins and hopefully play some finals rugby.

Ōpōtiki women’s player-coach Helena Coughlan is proud of her team no matter the result on the field.

“Our ladies actually played really well against Whakarewarewa with the limited numbers we had. We really made Whakarewarewa work hard for their tries.”

Coughlan said no matter what the up-coming results were, the ladies had already exceeded expectations for 2025.

“I am very proud of the ladies. They did what they could, and it was awesome to see them push themselves. The score doesn’t reflect just how well we played.”

The final is still a realistic chance for the team, although they are taking things one game at a time.

“Winning wasn’t really a goal at the start of the year. We were just focused on getting a team on the paddock and doing our small town proud. Just to make it through the season with no major injuries and an awesome bunch of ladies is the real win.”

This weekend, they are away to Te Puna and know it’s going to be a physical contest.

“They will be just as hungry to win as we are. But for us, we just need to turn up to training, nail our game plan and connect with each other on defence. We have plenty of room for work-ons.

Their clash is on Sunday in Tauranga.

Meanwhile, the Ōpōtiki premier men’s team had a much-needed bye following a series of impressive victories.

It allowed them the chance to rest a couple of players.

The Ōpōtiki men’s development team has had a mixed season to date.

It’s a squad that features several experienced faces alongside some talented newcomers, but they haven’t always managed to gel.

Their goal is a home semi-final, but they know they’ll have their work cut out for them if that is to happen.

“We have to win every game we have left if we want to be able to host a home semifinal. There’s no reason we can’t win them all,” player-coach Kevin Waterson said.

“Although we have had a few losses this year, the boys have pushed through and come together well. We’re still on course building phases and trying new combinations for the business end of the campaign where it all counts.”

Last weekend they had a tight 24-20 victory over a plucky Edgecumbe outfit at Princess Street Reserve.

Try scorers in their win were Mana Takamore-McPhee, with the centre helping The side sits third in the EBOP Senior A grade, behind table-toppers Waimana and Te Teko B.

This weekend they are away to Rūātoki B and will be hunting a win to keep their chances of a home semifinal alive. The premier men’s team will also face Rūātoki at Tiwi Black Park.