Two Eastern Bay women’s rugby teams have their sights, unexpectedly, set on finals this season.

Neither Poroporo nor Ōpōtiki were expecting such success but great cultures within the clubs have seen them exceed expectations on the field and make the top four of their respective competitions.

Poroporo were just trying to stay in the top grade, which they managed – anything else would be a bonus – and with its new and small number of players, while Ōpōtiki just wanted to be competitive.

Poroporo are playing in the Baywide Premier Women’s division and will tackle Ngongotaha in the semifinals after they won by default against Tongariro. Their win meant Rūātoki couldn’t make the top four.

Poroporo coach Geri Paul said they were looking forward to giving it their all against table-toppers Ngongotaha.

“We are happy to be playing for sure, and we will give it a crack, but I think the team is just happy to be still jamming together.”

She was happy they didn’t play last weekend because it allowed some players to rest niggles.

“I breathed a sigh of relief as we had four girls who were willing to play through their injuries, but it meant they could rest for the weekend.”

Poroporo knows Sunday’s clash will be a challenge, but they were up for it, Paul said.

“This weekend, I expect the kitchen sink from Ngongotaha.

“They will be hurting after their 80th minute loss to Mount Maunganui last week.

“This is semi-final rugby, and I hope they are expecting the same.”

Ōpōtiki also had the week off to rest some sore bodies and are looking forward to their semifinal against Te Puna in Tauranga.

“Our ladies are excited to have made it to the semifinals with limited numbers,” said player-coach Helena Coughlan. “All our players should be back and recovered from injury; it’s been a long season for our ladies.”

She expects Te Puna to very physical. “They will be tough and are not going to make it easy for us, so we have to be committed. They play a similar style to us, and it will be a case of who can defend the best, but I am confident if we play well, we can win.”

Kick off in the women’s clash is 1pm and it will be one to watch.

In matches last weekend, Waimana had an impressive victory over Te Puke, 53-17, with Te Ariana Tito bagging three tries and kicking four conversions for a 23-point haul.

Harmony Patuwai was outstanding and bagged a hattrick, while Chevani Hunt Williams showed impressive speed and picked up a brace as Waimana scored nine tries all up.

Rūātoki ended their season on a high with a victory over Rangataua.