t was set to be the game of the season to date but, unfortunately, it was anything but as a lack of numbers forced Poroporo to default.

They were set to host their Eastern Bay friends Rūātoki in what was expected to be an exciting and swashbuckling clash.

In their previous meetings over the past couple of seasons, Poroporo had the wood on Rūātoki, however, with a new squad this year, Rūātoki headed into the clash as favourites. They had also landed Nivaloh Elliot, Cheyne Copeland and Jimmie-Leigh Curry, who had opted for a change of scenery this season having played for Poroporo last year.

The default means it was Rūātoki’s second win of the season, while Poroporo remain winless in the five-team Baywide Premier competition.

This weekend sees a week off due to the long weekend, but on June 7, Poroporo travel to face Mount Maunganui, while Rūātoki are forced to have the bye.

In the Baywide Championship the Ōpōtiki women’s rugby team produced their best result of the season.

A 38-12 win over Te Puna, who defeated them in the 2025 Baywide Championship semifinals, was sweet revenge for an Ōpōtiki side who seemed to be firing on all cylinders.

Across the park they were outstanding and again key players are continually leading from the front.

In Sunday’s win, Sally Kurei was outstanding, as were Kohitu Mokomoko, Tarmera Katene and Skye Noema, while Arlyce Paora continues to produce outstanding performances.

Ōpōtiki scored six tries, with Helena Coughlan grabbing one, former Black Fern Kate Henwood also dotting down, and Shinoa Nikora helping herself to a brace of tries. Kohitu Mokomoko also bagged a double.

Player-coach Coughlan said it was an awesome win.

“It was amazing to win against Te Puna. We fell short against them in the semifinal last year, so it was an awesome feeling to come away with a win.”

Coughland said Ōpōtiki made a slow start.

“Our ladies did take it a bit casual at the start. It’s like we were still trying to warm up in the first half. The travel over there was long, so a few were lagging.

“However, in the second half the ladies stepped up and brought a whole new level with strong runs, great support, amazing defence and we dominated in the scrums before it went to golden oldies.”

Coughlan is super proud of her ladies, who continue to get better each week.

“That second half was amazing for us. Everyone keeps stepping up.”

She admitted they drew off the performance of the men the day before to help motivate them and give them the belief that they could knock Te Puna over.

There is no rugby for the women this weekend; they are treated to a week off before returning to the field and facing Arataki.

Fellow EBOP team TVC continued their strong form with a resounding win over Arataki, 60-24.

The Kopa sisters, Dane-a and Whaiora, helped themselves to five tries between them, while former Poroporo player Ihimana Herewini, who is playing for TVC, also found the try line.

It was their fourth successive bonus point win, and they sit at the top of the standings, with Ōpōtiki in second.

When action returns, TVC battles Te Puke in what is likely to be a lopsided clash.

On June 14 Ōpōtiki and TVC battle at Princess Street Reserve.