Ōpōtiki player-coach Helena Coughlan was that short of backs she had to fill her team’s backline with forwards for Sunday’s clash against Arataki.

With several key backs ruled out with injury, Coughlan moved a couple of key forwards into the backline and it paid dividends as they scored a 37-31 victory in a tight contest at Princess Street Reserve.

Kate Henwood, a former Black Fern who has been playing number eight, was moved out to second five and her strong carries continuously saw Ōpōtiki over the gainline.

Henwood’s hard work saw her rewarded with a try, while another to shine was loose forward Arlyce Paora, who continues to get better with every performance.

The hard-working Blaire Collier also made an appearance, with the former BOP Steamers player showing no signs of rust.

Leilah Amai grabbed an impressive intercept try and shone on the wing, while Lauralee Hillman provided Kamry Harrison with great service from the base of the ruck.

Coughlan said she was incredibly proud of her team and the performance they produced.

“It was very tough watching from the sideline. I had itchy feet but a lot of us were missing from the back line. Me, Wency, Sally, Missy and Lillian were all injured, so we had our forwards playing in the back line.”

She said her team continued to get better each week.

“It was a really good game. The ladies started off a bit rough, just trying to get into the game and connect, but once they did it was an awesome performance.”

Coughlan was stoked with the key players standing up in big moments.

“With all the changes and players playing in different positions it was awesome to see the ladies adapt and do their best.”

She said it had been a good season so far and finishing in the top four was a great result.

“The season has been awesome for our ladies. It has involved heaps of learnings and improvement and seeing each player progress and develop their own skills and work-ons has been incredibly satisfying as coach.”

She said this weekend was just about having fun.

“I want our ladies to go out and enjoy themselves, play with confidence and have a go. I would like to see a bit more connection from the ladies. We all know we can do it and play rugby.”

This Sunday they face neighbours TVC at Princess Street Reserve in what will be an exciting contest as it is one versus two on the standings.

Ōpōtiki will have eyes on next weekend with a home semifinal locked in and likely to be against Te Puna.

Coughlan said she hoped to be back lacing the boots up for the semifinal.

TVC kept their unbeaten season going with a default win over Te Puke.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 1pm.