The Ōpōtiki women’s team are still full of smiles despite their winning run coming to an end.

Standing in their way in Ōpōtiki at Princess Street Reserve was the visiting Whakarewarewa team, who like Ōpōtiki, were unbeaten heading into the contest.

Unfortunately the visitors had too much skill and firepower running out 37-5 winners, but Ōpōtiki can smile, they weren’t at full strength and battled away the entire contest.

A couple more substitutions along with the presence of Luka Connor and it could have been a different outcome.

The Helena Coughlan-coached outfit will have gained plenty from that clash despite the result not going their way.

Coughlan was proud of the “heart and energy” every player gave in the clash against Whakarewarewa.

She said they were improving every game and continuing to make each other proud no matter what the result was.

Utility back Wency-Ree Rewi managed to score their only try, which was an impressive team effort.

After the game, five of their players earned blazer, for five continuous seasons for the club or 50 games, although none of them had quite achieved the latter. Coughlan was a recipient alongside hard-working lock Blaire Collier, prop Tarmera Katene, winger Michelle Rangiahua and lock and captain Nicky Mokomoko.

If Ōpōtiki continue their strong form and make it to the final, then Coughlan will be the first to reach 50 caps, something she said would be “incredibly special” to achieve.

They were awarded the blazers by two fellow Ōpōtiki female stalwarts, ex-Black Ferns Noi Elmiger and Exia Edwards.

Coughlan labelled it an “honour” to have two of their idols present them with their blazers.

There is no rugby this weekend, but when they return on June 8, Ōpōtiki should pick up another win against the winless Arataki side in Tauranga.