Ōpōtiki’s year on the rugby paddock continues to get better.

After making a successful return to the Baywide Premier Competition this year, they won club of the year at the BOP Rugby Awards and have since backed that up with an impressive showing last Saturday at Rugby Park in Whakatāne.

Ōpōtiki managed to win the Baywide Club 7s title and book themselves a spot at the national club 7s finals in February.

After a default in their first game due to Waiohau not showing up, Ōpōtiki were forced to wait until close to midday before getting their first chance to play, which was a contest against Tauranga Sports.

They left it late but delivered, scoring a 24-19 victory to see them finish top of their pool.

Next up it was a battle against good rivals Whakatāne Marist for a spot in the semifinals.

Ōpōtiki played some strong rugby to head out to a 12-0 halftime lead, the first of which was an impressive try to Braeden Elmiger.

Two quick tries after halftime had Ōpōtiki well ahead at 26-0, one of which was Elmiger’s second.

Ōpōtiki ended up victorious 36-0, before battling Mount Maunganui in the semifinal.

Like Tauranga Sports earlier in the season, Ōpōtiki started well but then came from behind to claim victory.

Ōpōtiki played Whakarewarewa in the final and opened the scoring on the back of some good play, with Tane Howe showing some silky skills to set up a try.

The entire Ōpōtiki team lifted and performed strongly when required.

It was a final which showed little separation between the two teams throughout, however, some strong defence from Ōpōtiki helped them across the line, 14-7.

EBOP Sub Union committee member and Ōpōtiki Sports club member Noi Elmiger said it was a great day of action.

“We had really good feedback from the other clubs about how well the day was run and that we should just lock it down and have the tournament here for the next few years. It all ran super smoothly. We wanted to have the final at 3.40pm and we were pretty much bang on time.”

Emiger said the only disappointment was Waiohau not fronting.

“That was disappointing that they didn’t even turn up. It did make things a touch trickier but it still went well. We’re pretty disappointed they never fronted when they entered to be part of it.”

She said it was a big day but featured lots of exciting games.

“It was awesome to see Ōpōtiki do so well. The boys never gave in and battled right until the final whistle which was key. They all played so well.”

Now they have the chance to attend the National Club Sevens in Wellington in February.

“I think the boys are keen and it’s only going to help them with 15s as they know they’ll have to keep fit over summer to be competitive at something like that,” she said.

Ōpōtiki captain Tamarau Karepa said it was a great day of sevens.

We all enjoyed it. The weather felt out the gate, but we prepared well and had each other’s backs for the entire day. It was the first time winning for our small club and to take on some of the bigger clubs and get the win over them felt even sweeter.”

He admitted it was hard getting players to training but when they did front, training went well.

We didn’t do anything fancy; we got stuck into it and produced some hard mahi when required to win.”

He also said it was great having four of them in the BOP squad, with games this next couple of weeks.

They had a tough draw having to get past three top Baywide clubs to win the title.

It also shows Ōpōtiki’s decision to jump back into the Baywide competition and give their players opportunities was a fantastic decision.

Four of their players, Tamarau Karepa, Jye McGough, Braeden Elmiger and Mana Howe, have been wicked in the BOP Sevens set up.

Elmiger said the women’s competition also went well, and it was great to see TVC being competitive.

“They did well. They were only a young team but played really well and showed some great potential. I know they really enjoyed playing their 15s in the Bay this season and it lifted their players’ performances.”

Whakatāne Marist and Te Teko were the next best of the Eastern Bay teams making the quarter finals, however Tāneatua showed great improvement and managed to take home the bowl trophy with a young but talented side.

Poroporo were competitive, while it was a tough weekend for Paroa.

Tihirau Valley Club competed in the women’s division and made it to the quarterfinals but were well beaten.

Despite being young they held their own in every match and showed that there’s some top talent further up the coast.

Their best match was a cracking game against Rūātoki, which the latter won 20-15.

Rūātoki, with a young team, made it to the semifinals, while Poroporo had some new faces and were competitive throughout.