Ōpōtiki women have maintained second position in the Baywide Women’s Championship with a 51-20 win over Arataki in Tauranga.
It was an outstanding effort from the green-blue-and-whites, who turned up with only one reserve.
The win should cement their place in the top four with two more round robin games to go before some form of playoffs.

They managed nine tries with Chrissy Lloyd and Wency-Ree Rewi bagging two each.
Ōpōtiki co-captain Helena Coughlan said the team produced an outstanding showing and were helped by the experience of Black Ferns hooker Luka Connor.

“Luka played extremely well. Luka had go-forward all game with ball in hand and was superb setting our pods up; her communication on the field was outstanding. She also bought the energy for the girls.”

Coughlan is pleased with how everyone has improved, week to week.

“I’m beyond proud of my ladies, the sportsmanship, dedication and determination, to be able to field a team with what we’ve got. Each and every player has contributed to the team and it definitely makes my job easy when I know the ladies are all on board, and they are out on the paddock enjoying themselves.”

This weekend, they tackle Kahu Pirates at Princess Street Reserve, their final home game for the round robin.

Ōpōtiki are comfortably inside the top four but will want to keep winning so they can earn a home semifinal.

“Our team is very excited to play another home game. We played Kahukura last year and we won, but they were still growing. I know this year they will bring it.

“I know this game is going to be very physical. We’ve just got to nail down the basics and execute our plays, and let the ball do all the work.

It’s their final game at Princess Street Reserve until the playoffs and Coughlan would love to see a big turnout of supporters.

“We think it would be awesome to have a big crowd to tautoko women’s rugby at home.”

She said everyone in the team had stepped up.

“It has definitely been a team effort all season but there have been some outstanding individuals that have really stepped up and showed amazing skills every game.”
Meanwhile, the Ōpōtiki men have carried on their winning ways with a 75-5 drubbing of Poroporo at Princess Street Reserve.
Braeden Elmiger continued his impressive try scoring deeds with four tries, while plenty of others added their names to the scoresheet.

This weekend, they face their sternest test of the second round when they meet table-toppers Paroa at Lawson Street.
Paroa were the only team to tip over Ōpōtiki in the first round with their 35-33 win.
Ōpōtiki have a lot to prove and will want to show they’re a better team since that contest.
The senior reserve side picked up a valuable 44-29 triumph over Poroporo B.

Cody Mokomoko helped himself to a brace as they scored eight tries in the victory.
This weekend, they face Paroa B in the early game at Lawson Park.