Ōpōtiki were unable to pick up their second win of the season, going down 38-16 to a well-drilled Greerton Marist outfit at Greerton Park.

The home side featured several Bay of Plenty Ngawha and Steamers squad members, including Ōpōtiki’s Sonny Collier, while the visitors were without key starting figures Mana Howe, Te Awaiata Rolls and utility back Te Amo Wilbore for the clash.

Greerton Marist outscored Ōpōtiki six tries to two.

Ōpōtiki opened the scoring through a Kivoi Magalogo penalty goal, before Marist responded with a try.

Magalogo kicked a second penalty goal to have Ōpōtiki ahead, but then Marist struck with three further first half tries to take ascendancy in the contest.

They came out and scored two more in the first 15 minutes after halftime, but Ōpōtiki refused to lie down and finished the stronger of the two teams thanks to tries to fancy footed fullback Tamarau Karepa and hard-working number eight Luke Morris.

Tangike Borell put in a hardworking shift at lock, while Ryan Kurei and Tutangiora Mafi added plenty off the bench when injected into the contest.

In the backs, Tane Howe was strong while Creed Edwards showed some talent at 13.

Collier was outstanding for Greerton, as was Junior Matuatia.

Ōpōtiki will turn their attention to Whakarewarewa this weekend, a clash they know they can win.

Earlier in the year, Ōpōtiki fell just short in their away clash, so they’ll be hoping to reverse the ledger on Saturday.

In their sole win earlier this season against Te Puna, Ōpōtiki started strongly and they’ll need to do so again this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Ōpōtiki development team also suffered a defeat, going down 50-15.

Although they’ve suffered a couple of biggish defeats, the team will remain confident they can grab their second win of the season as they’re facing Whakarewarewa, a team they managed to defeat earlier in the year.

Ōpōtiki will be hoping they get a good turnout to help cheer them on in both their fixtures.

They kick off at 1pm with the premiers kicking off at 2.45pm.