The Eastern Bay’s three female rugby teams suffered losses in the first round matches of their respective competitions.

Playing in the Baywide Premiership, Rūātoki fell to Ngongotahā 20-7, while Poroporo were beaten 46-20 by Rangataua.

Rūātoki made too many errors in their clash and allowed the likes of Kokako Raki too much space to work her magic in the Ngngotahā colours.

Jayde August scored an impressive try for Rūātoki off a tap penalty, but that’s as good as it got for the green-and-blacks.

They showed signs of positivity and will be tough to beat if things click.

Aggie McGarvey was strong on debut, older sister Te Urupounamu McGarvey made some solid carries and nabbed a couple of turnovers, while former Poroporo back Cheyne Copeland played well with limited chances at fullback.

Poroporo, who are also looking very different this year, showed signs of a strong outfit, scoring four tries in their loss.

Powerful hooker Fredom Marou scored, as did new front rower Nellie Hape, while debutants Grace Turner, playing on the wing, and Kirsty Rae Rapana, also found the try line.

This weekend, Rūātoki battle Rangataua, and Poroporo have a bye with Tongariro United dropping out of the competition late.

One concern was the fact Tauranga based Rangataua had very few front forwards meaning the game was uncontested at scrum time for a large chunk of the game.

There is nothing better than a first up battle against your neighbours and that is what transpired for the Ōpōtiki women’s team on Sunday.

Playing at Whangaparaoa up the Coast against new recruits TVC in the Baywide Womens Championship division, Ōpōtiki fell to a 58-36 defeat.

TVC were impressive with the Kopa sisters, Dane-a, Whaiora and Zakeiya Kopa helping themselves to six tries between them.

Ōpōtiki refused to give in with player-coach Helena Coughlan helping herself to a hattrick.

Coughlan made several storming runs for Ōpōtiki and was definitely one of the best on the paddock.

She was proud of her team and their performance, despite not getting the chocolates.

“I am always proud of the ladies. It was an awesome first game for us, a lot of learnings and a few adjustments and we should be good to go.”

She said it was exciting to have TVC as part of the Baywide competition.

“The TVC ladies were awesome. They were fast in their backline and had our ladies working hard all game. It’s awesome to have them as part of the competition.”

There were several standouts for Ōpōtiki. Alongside Coughlan, Arlyce Paora had an outstanding work ethic on both sides of the ball, Chrissy Lloyd was a menace at ruck time, stealing plenty of ball, while Tarmera Katene was superb, helping herself to two tries.

Coughlan said they were looking forward to getting back out on the park this weekend.

“We can’t wait to go again this weekend. We have two ladies receiving their blazers so it’s a big weekend for us.”

They face Greerton Marist at Princess Street Reserve at 1pm, while the men’s teams who had a bye last weekend

are away to Mount Maunganui on Saturday.