Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne Marist and Paroa rugby teams continue to fight for top spot after the most recent round of action in the Eastern Bay of Plenty men’s premier grade.

Ōpōtiki were convincing winners over a gallant Poroporo side, scoring 75-5 at the Princess Street Reserve; Paroa dug deep to defeat Te Teko 41-36 in a thriller; and Whakatāne Marist fought off a spirited Tāneatua to win 45-24 at Rugby Park in Whakatāne.

Paroa captain Kurt Baker said he was pleased his team managed to get across the line for victory.

“I’m very pleased with the outcome. Te Teko made it really hard for us to find our rhythm.

“I think broken play set up from our backs making good line breaks gave us good go-forward, which we then capitalised into points.”

Paroa produced a strong all-round showing despite missing a few key figures.

It’s a win that keeps them in first place and guarantees a spot in the semi-finals.

Te Teko played with serious heart and commitment and were unlucky not to win.

It was one of their best performances this season and keeps them in touch with fourth-placed Rūātoki, who they face in a fortnight.

Te Teko coach Sasu Wihapi was proud of the team’s effort, not only this week but over the past month when numbers were low.

“The core group have stuck together through the tough times; we had our moments against Paroa but weren’t good enough on the day.”

Wihapi said first five eighth Carlos Savage was outstanding and hard-running prop Langelle Tutapakore was dominant with ball in hand and at scrum time.

In the clash at Rugby Park, Whakatāne Marist ran in seven tries to secure a bonus point victory. Ryshawn Kereama-Vercoe also had a good outing, helping himself to a try and five conversions for a 15-point haul.

Marist needed the victory to remain in touch with Paroa and Ōpōtiki as the trio look to battle it out for home semifinal spots in the coming weeks.

Tamate Te Pou was a stand-out, as was Ro Cava Devo, while Mano Makara and Hamuera Hudson also played well.

Tāneatua’s best were Sitiveni Kutalele, Charles Ratu, Henare Ruru and Caleb Olsen.

Ōpōtiki’s Braeden Elmiger continues to set the competition alight, helping himself to four tries in their 70-point win over Poroporo.

Ōpōtiki managed eight first-half tries and five more in the second half, with Poroporo’s only response coming from Ray Phillips early in the contest.

Dylan Maui, Phillips, Te Hauwaho and David Marriott were the best for the blue-red-and-whites.

In the EBOP senior reserve grade, there were some interesting results.

Waimana snatched a crucial away-victory over Matatā, 25-19, thanks to a double to second five eighth Tama Titoko and number eight Sonny Te Rupe.

Matatā should be proud of their effort as they were in the clash until the final whistle.

Te Teko B held on to beat Paroa B, 31-29, in a thriller at Dunderdale Park thanks to superb all-round team effort.

They outscored the visitors five tries to four in what was a cracking game of rugby.

Tana Peita, Samson Tawera and Jackson Shortland were strong on attack and defence for Te Teko, while Paroa’s Richard Herbert, Tuki Stewart and Decovan Taotofi shone for the visitors.

Edgecumbe managed to pick up a plucky away win with a 33-31 victory over Rūātoki B.

It was a top team performance from the visitors, who were playing in their fourth game this season with no referee.

Coach Craig Sinkinson is proud of the team and their attitude.

“It was a physical game where both teams moved the ball around. Rūātoki were very direct and physical which they benefitted on as we lost several players to injury but held on for a win.”

Rūātoki scored out wide in the dying minutes but were unable to convert it to secure a draw.

The Edgecumbe players were sore but were pleased to get a victory on the road.

Sinkinson said he was thankful to Rūātoki senior men’s player Reuben Pouwhare who stepped up to referee the game and controlled it well.

Two tries to Cody Mokomoko helped Ōpōtiki B to a 44-29 victory over Poroporo B at Princess Street Reserve.

Both teams gave the ball plenty of air and looked to attack when possible.

At premier level, Ōpōtiki travel to Lawson Park to face Paroa in a top-of-the-table contest, while Whakatāne Marist faces Rūātoki at Rugby Park and Poroporo welcomes Tāneatua to Poroporo for what will be an entertaining clash.

In the Senior Reserve grade, Paroa B and Ōpōtiki B will face off, Te Teko B travel to Edgecumbe Domain for a clash against their neighbours. Waimana travel to Poroporo and Matatā face a tricky road trip to Tiwi Black Park to tackle Rūātoki B.