Paroa, Whakatāne Marist and Te Teko all bagged wins in the latest round of the EBOP Premier Men’s Rugby Competition.

After two weeks of competition, it looks as if these are the three teams to beat.

Paroa battled hard and were far from perfect but picked up a bonus point 32-5 win over a much-improved Tāneatua outfit.

Paroa, fresh off winning the Rosebowl, headed into the season as favourites and that showed with some impressive tries against Tāneatua.

To their credit, Tāneatua fought valiantly the entire clash and showed how much they’d improved from the first round two weeks earlier.

Paroa’s six tries came mostly through their backs, with centre Blake Barlow Green lining up against his old team and helping himself to a double.

Their captain, Kurt Baker, was the only forward to score in the victory.

He was outstanding, along with Muri Stewart, while for Tāneatua, Cade Coxon and prop Charles Ratu led the way.

At Tiwi Black Park in Rūātoki, the home side put in a spirited showing but it wasn’t enough as Te Teko ran out 47-22 victors.

The visitors scored seven tries in the win, four going to the Chisholm siblings, Ruben and Cayless.

Both were outstanding for the yellow and blacks, as were blindside flanker Nephi Sanerive, captain Bailey Williams and winger Samson Tawera.

The best for Rūātoki were try scorers Whare Williams, Jacob Wera-Cook and Neelan Wera-Cook.

In the final premier fixture, Whakatāne Marist travelled to Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Whangaparaoa and came away with a hard-fought 38-10 triumph.

With the absence of 2025 champions Ōpōtiki, Tihirau Victory Club have taken a place in the competition.

Marist outscored the home side six tries to two.

Ratu Gabrieli, playing at lock, helped himself to a pair of tries, as did winger William Helu, while fullback Senijale Valesasa and Tevita Seruisavou also scored tries.

Valesasa also kicked four conversions.

In the Senior Reserve grade, Edgecumbe made it two straight victories to start the season with a 29-15 win. It was an outstanding gritty performance from Edgecumbe, who celebrate 100 years this season.

Coach Craig Sinkinson said it was a spirited showing from his troops.

“It wasn’t a pretty game and we’re thankful to Waimana, who turned up. Early on there were some errors, but we slowly started to find our flow as the match progressed.”

Edgecumbe outscored their opponents five tries to three.

In the other Senior Reserve clash, Matatā played good attacking rugby to score a 43-28 win, scoring seven tries to four. It was an attacking game as both teams looked to give the ball plenty of air.

Meanwhile, in the Baywide Premier Division, Ōpōtiki, who have taken the step up, produced a spirited showing against Tauranga Sports but went down 38-17 in their clash in Tauranga.

Ōpōtiki managed three tries through replacement forward Cale Loyd, centre Kiovi Penieli and Tamarau Karepa.

Former Paroa first five Rihari Jobe helped himself to two tries for the home team.

Ōpōtiki can be proud of their showing and will look forward to hosting Greerton Marist at Princess Street Reserve on April 18.

This weekend sees Whakatāne Marist host Paroa in what will be the game of the round, Te Teko host Tāneatua and Poroporo welcomes TVC to town.

The Senior Reserves sees Poroporo B host Waimana, Edgecumbe welcomes Paroa B and Te Teko B plays Matatā.