The EBOP Premier Rugby men’s semifinalists have been confirmed after the latest round of action on Saturday.

Ōpōtiki continued their winning ways and defeated Te Teko, 42-15, to keep top spot and a win over Whakatāne Marist this weekend will cement their position.

Paroa were meant to face Whakatāne Marist in what would have been a thrilling contest if their round one match was anything to go by, but instead the green-white-and-blacks were forced to default because of several injured players.

This gave Paroa a maximum of five points to see them equal with Ōpōtiki, although a bye this weekend means Paroa will likely to finish second.

Whakatāne Marist, no matter their result, will be third and Rūātoki will be fourth, so it’s a case of teams already knowing who they’ll face in the semifinals next weekend.

In the clash at Tāneatua, Rūātoki came out victors, 27-14, in a game referee Jaco Brouwer said was fantastic to officiate.

Brouwer dished out just six penalties during the game and said it was one of the best matches he had refereed in a while.

“It was great, positive, hard-hitting rugby.”

Rūātoki coach Mark Pouwhare was pleased they managed to secure the victory.

“Happy to get the win and cement our place in the top four.”

He said it was a good physical game against their neighbours Tāneatua.

“It was a tough game. Tāneatua have come a long way and will be real contenders in the coming years; they have a good young squad. Our backs were able to complement our forwards' work up front and make some good yards to set us up for scoring opportunities.”

He was full of praise for the team and getting the win, but said some players really stood out.

“Dylan Te Whetu and Mana Maui played well, and Mark Morehu and David Tawhi led the way up front. It was definitely a grind.”

Pouwhare expects another challenging assignment this weekend against Poroporo.

“Poroporo won't be easy, they never are, so for us it's playing to our strengths and taking our opportunities when we get them.”

In Ōpōtiki, the home team were too strong for rivals Te Teko, scoring six tries to three.

Once again, speedster Braeden Elmiger was in the thick of it, bagging a hattrick, to take his season tally close to 20 tries.

Mana Howe also impressed, nailing all six conversions, while Tamarau Karepa and Kalin Elmiger also played strongly.

The loss means Te Teko cannot overtake Rūātoki in the race for a playoff spot.

The yellow-and-blacks will be looking to finish their season on a high this weekend when they face Tāneatua at Dunderdale Park.

In the senior reserve division, there were some impressive performances.

Edegcumbe produced one of their best efforts of the season to defeat Poroporo, 28-10, thanks to a double from the ever-impressive Brett Haugh at number eight.

Prop Kareem Grace had a strong game, as did centre Jason Angland, who helped himself to a five-pointer. This weekend, Edgecumbe come up against Paroa B in an early clash at Lawson Park.

Ōpōtiki B outclassed Te Teko B 31-19 to make it the perfect day out for the blue-green-and-whites.

Genesis Ruakawa, playing in the loose forwards, helped himself to brace in what was a strong team performance.

Manax Pryor, Sheldon Williams and Logan Conn were superb for the beaten Te Teko side.

This weekend, Ōpōtiki B come up against Matatā in what will be a challenging away trip, while Te Teko B collide with Waimana at Dunderdale Park.

Waimana produced an impressive attacking display to defeat Rūātoki B, 60-7.

James Taha had the fancy footwork out as he helped himself to three tries, while also knocking over four conversions for a 23-point haul. Kaedyn Marshall helped himself to a brace of tries, as did Taumanu Walker.

Rūātoki B toiled hard all game but ran out of puff against a strong Waimana lineup.

They will be hungry to finish the round robin in style as they travel to Poroporo to face Poroporo.

Paroa B produced one of their best efforts of the season to defeat Matatā 42-14 at Lawson Park.

With the premier side having won by default, the reserves were able to call on a couple of senior players to fill gaps.

Jacob Wera-Cook showed tremendous speed and agility to help himself to a hattrick, while fullback Kelly Downes bagged two tries.

Matatā toiled hard and showed they’ll be no easy beat come finals time.

They will return to Richmond Park this weekend where they battle Ōpōtiki B.