Ōpōtiki, Paroa, Whakatāne Marist and Rūātoki will contest the EBOP Premier Men’s semifinals this weekend.

Top spot goes to the impressive Ōpōtiki outfit who demolished Whakatāne Marist, 67-19, to cement a home semifinal, while Paroa finished second.

Third place went to Whakatāne Marist and fourth was Rūātoki, who had already sealed their spot a weekend prior.

Rūātoki finished the round robin in style with a come-from-behind win over Poroporo at Poroporo.

Their 26-15 win came off a sublime second half in which Rūātoki finally got some front-foot ball and played to their strengths, which saw them out flank Poroporo and stretch them on numerous occasions.

Coach Mark Pouwhare said it was good to get a victory heading into the semifinals.

“It was a real game of two halves. In the first half, we made too many errors, and then in the second half, we woke up, camped inside their half and we were able to apply pressure and score points.”

He knows the odds are stacked against them this weekend as they travel to Princess Street Reserve to face the high-flying Ōpōtiki side in their semifinal.

“We’re looking forward to it. Obviously it’s going to take a big effort on our behalf to try to beat Ōpōtiki, but we have nothing to lose and will head over and give it our best shot. We, as a team, are happy to make the semis this year.”

The best for Rūātoki in their win were Whare Williams, Lacey Tuhaka and Mark Morehu, while those three and the likes of David Tawhai, Nelly Wera-Cook and Reuben Pouwhare will all have to fire if they’re to defeat Ōpōtiki.

Ōpōtiki coach Tuterangi Te Moana was pleased with their effort in the win over Whakatāne Marist.

“It was nice getting the win over Marist on the weekend. It’s always good for us to come away with a win against a team who has a successful reputation, especially considering past narrow losses and Marist’s unbeaten season last year.

“It’s pleasing to see that we’re able to put together a great performance leading into the semifinals.

“It gives us a little bit of extra confidence as well.”

Ōpōtiki used their big ball-running forwards to get good go-forward before spreading it wide to the likes of Braeden Elmiger, who has been a nightmare for teams all season.

That continued against Whakatāne Marist as Elmiger scored four tries.

“It’s a breath of fresh air for Ōpōtiki Premier rugby, finally having some pace out wide with wingers Braeden Elmiger bagging four tries and Creed Edwards with one as well,” said Te Moana.

“A disallowed corner flag try for Kiwi Biddle would have added to our wingers’ tally. Having a group of great finishers across the board is also another big relief.”

He expects a tough challenge against Rūātoki this weekend and knows semifinals rugby is always different to round robin play.

“Having played them twice already this season, I think Rūātoki will continue to provide 80 minutes of the hard running, hard hitting rugby that they’re well known for.

“Fortunately for us as hosts, we’ll have the backing of our supporters in full force, no doubt.”

Te Teko were able to finish their season in style with a hard-fought 22-10 victory over Tāneatua.

Tāneatua were in the premier grade for the first time this season and they continued to improve throughout the season.

They have a young squad with some experienced performers and will only get better and more confident the longer they stay in this grade.

Te Teko managed four tries to one in the victory with plenty of players shining in their final game for the season.

Tāneatua captain Caleb Olsen scored a well-deserved try and played well alongside prop Charles Ratu and number eight Sitiveni Kutelele.

Paroa were able to rest a few bodies ahead of their semifinal against Whakatāne Marist this weekend.

They won the last clash between the two by default a fortnight ago. Otherwise, their previous meeting was a draw earlier in the first round.

Expect the likes of captain Kurt Baker, fellow loose forwards Hami Smith and Ben Moir to lead from the front with Ethan Wharewera, Rihari Biddle and Muri Stewart dangerous if given any space.

Whakatāne Marist will be guided around the park by Ryshawn Kereama-Vercoe and have plenty of pace with Meli Salatagane and Ro Cava Devo, while the experienced Lemeki Cagialau returned last week.

In the senior reserve grade, the semifinalists have also been found.

Ōpōtiki development managed to sneak a home semifinal with a win over Matatā, 31-24, at Richmond Park.

It sets them up for a clash against Rūātoki B at Princess Street Reserve, who scored a win over Poroporo B.

Waimana picked up a 27-19 win over Te Teko B to finish top in their grade with the winner of Matatā and Edgecumbe to face them in the final.

Te Teko B finished third and will have to head to Lawson Park to play Paroa B after they won 29-0 against Edgecumbe.