It just wasn’t to be for Poroporo and Ōpōtiki in their matches on Sunday.

The Poroporo women lost 36-0 to an impressive Ngongotahā team to again end their Baywide premiership campaign at the semifinal stage.

Ōpōtiki, who were playing in the Baywide women’s championship semifinals, fell 17-12 to Te Puna in what was a cracking contest.

Poroporo coach Geri Paul is proud of her side and the season they've had.

“We did not expect to be there [at the semifinal], but once we got there, I thought one more, and we're at the big dance.”

It was a season that had just about everything for the blue-white-and-red outfit.

“We took two heavy defeats at the start of the season, defaulted our third, and for all money, things looked bleak. But the girls dug deep, and we started to claw our way back. The team grew together.”

They started playing some inspiring rugby and their young players really started to lead the way.

Poroporo picked up two crucial wins over Rūātoki, but the highlight would probably be their win over Mount Maunganui.

Paul said they had the makings of a fabulous wee squad, and she hoped many of the girls returned next year.

“We will enjoy our off-season, and when seven’s roll around, we'll start looking at our team. Last year I asked too early and everyone said they were coming back, but that didn't happen.”

Ōpōtiki nearly picked up a win in Tauranga against Te Puna, but didn’t quite have it in them.

They were down 17-7 but scored a good try to make it 17-12 and then were hot on attack for the final three minutes until a knock thwarted any chance they had of winning.

Ōpōtiki player-coach Helena Coughlan said it was a “massive game”.

“Our ladies fought to the end. It was an amazing display of grassroots rugby, massive support from both sides and the hype and energy from both teams, helped make it an awesome semifinal.”

She said she was proud of the team and the way they had conducted themselves and played during the season.

“I’m so proud of my ladies despite the numbers we had, we never defaulted. We grew stronger and stronger as a team; we had an awesome season. I would do it all again.”

She is excited to see what lies ahead for the women’s game in their small town.

“I’m extremely excited for Ōpōtiki women’s rugby as our young ones slowly make their way up. Another door is opening for them, to grow and enjoy rugby even more.”