They may not be able to make the EBOP Premier Rugby playoffs, but that didn’t stop Poroporo from putting on a huge performance in front of their loyal fans.

A 27-26 victory, thanks to a try in the dying seconds to winger Hutu Harris, saw them pick up their second win of the season in what was a cracking clash at Poroporo.

Harris was outstanding and named man of the match, but coach Christian Kora said it was hard to single out an individual.

“I am just super proud of all the boys. They all dug in right until the end, and we managed to get a late try. It was such a good performance. Every week we’ve fought hard, but this week the guys just wanted it that much more. I am proud of them all.”

He said although the wins hadn’t been coming, the morale amongst the team was still strong and now they’d tipped over Marist, they were hoping to play to their potential in the final few weeks.

Harris was sublime for Poroporo but so were the likes of Chris Kilgarriff-Naylor, Taylor Nuku, Dylan Maui, Jordan Rakuraku and Luke Gray.

For Marist, player-coach Hamuera Hudson, prop Sitiveni Uitalia, Ro Cava Devo, Sione Pulu and Setariki Yabaki were all standouts.

At Dunderdale Park, Te Teko proved too good in the battle of the top two teams, maintaining their unbeaten run with a 32-17 victory over Paroa.

Te Teko were boosted by the presence of former New Zealand 7s representative Lewis Ormond, while they also had the likes of Carlos Savage, Nephi Sanerive and Te Mana Anapu-Burke for the contest.

Hard working Anapu-Burke was outstanding while Sanerive has added plenty to the Te Teko forward pack.

Te Teko managed five tries in the win while Savage kicked two conversions and a penalty.

Again, Ben Moir was outstanding, as was hooker Harley Turner and midfield back Maxwell Wharewera. Danny Simon played well and Kaue Kaue added plenty when he came off the bench.

In the final premier clash, Rūātoki scored a 33-27 win at Tiwi Black Park to push themselves closer to a top-four spot.

David Tawhi and Lacey Tuhaka were outstanding in the loose forwards, while Beaudein Waaka guided things superbly at first five eighth.

Second five eighth Hieke McGarvey, who starred at Rotorua Boys’ High School last year, scored a good try, but don’t be surprised to not see him next year as he should be playing in the premier grade.

Rūātoki had some firepower to bring off the bench in Reuben Pouwhare and Bronson Waaka, while Pomare Black made plenty of impact when he entered the contest.

In the senior reserve grade, Edgecumbe continued their unbeaten streak with a 48-5 victory over Poroporo, while Te Teko B made it a double with their 20-5 win over Paroa B.

This weekend, there will be plenty to play for as teams will look to find their best form with finals approaching.

In the senior reserve competition, Poroporo B and Paroa B have the week off, with Waimana and Matata facing off at the Waimana Domain. In the other contest, Te Teko play host to Edgecumbe in what is a battle of the neighbours.

In the premier grade, Tāneatua returns from a well-deserved week off and travels up the coast to face TVC.

Whakatāne Marist and Te Teko clash on Friday night under the new lights at Rugby Park in what should be a thrilling clash and Rūātoki host a fired-up Poroporo fresh off their impressive win last weekend.

Meanwhile, a Mana Howe try three minutes from fulltime helped Ōpōtiki bag their second win of the Baywide premier competition with a 24-21 win over Whakarewarewa at Princess Street Reserve.

It was an 80-minute performance from Ōpōtiki, who deserved a much needed bye this weekend to rest a few niggles.