This is the time of year that becomes increasingly difficult for rugby teams, and the Poroporo women are no exception.

A tonne of injuries and other factors have hit their squad, leaving them light on personnel.

Although it is a relatively new squad with some experience, their lack of numbers and experience was exposed against Mount Maunganui on Sunday, when they lost 82-15.

Coach Geri Paul, a former Black Fern, who hasn’t played for several years, was required to lace up the boots and take to the paddock.

“That’s just how short we are, but I am proud of the ladies that keep turning up and wearing our colours with pride.”

Although Mount Maunganui were far too strong, there were some positives to take from the clash.

Tahina Heta, a new player to the squad, scored a try off a deft Nellie Hape pass, while Puarewa Wright and Te Pare Hillman also dotted down.

Heta was outstanding with limited opportunities, making a couple of great breaks and going close to scoring one of the best tries of the season.

Poroporo’s scrum was also dominant, pushing Mount Maunganui back on numerous occasions and flanker Fern Nixon got through a power of work.

Rūātoki, who had the bye, have also been hit with injuries in what is shaping up as a challenging season for the Eastern Bay teams.

Ōpōtiki player-coach Helena Coughlan was so 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 which continually 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 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 continues 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, 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 them next weekend with a home semifinal locked in and likely to be against Te Puna.

Coughlan said she hoped to be back on the field for the semifinal.

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

Sunday’s game kicks off at 1pm.

Meanwhile, the premiership grade sees Poroporo face Rangataua, while Rūātoki battle Ngongotahā at Tiwi Black Park.