They may have fallen short in their quest to topple TVC but the Ōpōtiki women’s rugby team can hold their heads high.

Following their 29-10 defeat, they have qualified second for the Baywide Women’s Championship and will host Te Puna at Princess Street Reserve on Sunday.

It’s an important match for Ōpōtiki after Te Puna defeated them last year in the semifinals.

Player-coach Helena Coughlan said they were excited to be hosting a semifinal in the town.

“We didn’t get the results we wanted, but our ladies performed well. It was an awesome game of rugby, TVC had more speed than us, which is what got them many of their points.”

Coughlan said they could take plenty from the clash and use it this weekend.

“It’s very exciting to have secured a home semi here in Ōpōtiki, being our first ever so very proud of the hard work our wahine put in to get us here.”

She knows Te Puna will come fired up and ready to knock them over.

“I feel they will play a faster game, very physical and strong up front, they will be just as hungry as we are to get to finals.”

The past few weeks have seen Ōpōtiki missing some personnel, however, three key figures are back on board this weekend.

“We have Wency-Ree Rewi, Michelle Rangiahau and me coming back from injuries, Coughlan said.

She said they were excited for Sunday and eager to play in front of their home fans again.

Kick off for Sunday’s semifinal is at 1pm.