Te Teko kept their unbeaten run by the barest of margins with a 19-18 win over Whakatāne Marist at Rugby Park on Friday evening.

The yellow-and-blacks have scored four tries in all their previous games this season, but, for the first time, struggled to break down the opposition defence and managed only three.

The telling moment came with 10 minutes remaining in the second half when Te Teko utility back Sasu Wihapi kicked the ball over the Marist defence and caught it again on the full to stroll 40 metres and score the decisive try.

Te Teko still shape up as competition favourites with a couple of weeks till the playoffs. They have virtually sealed top spot and that will be key in the semifinals.

Marist opened the scoring after 20 minutes through a Tamati Te Pou penalty goal.

Te Teko then dominated the next 10 minutes, putting Marist under plenty of pressure.

On the back of a line-out close to their line, Te Teko found the first try of the game through loose forward Ruben Chisholm, who barged his way over.

Te Teko led 7-3 at halftime, but it was Marist who came out and attacked strongly to start the second stanza.

It was a loose game at times as both teams spilled the ball, looking to play with width.

A pick-and-go by Marist prop Sitiveni Uitalia saw them get their first try and sneak ahead 8-7.

Marist dominated much of the proceedings until about the 65th minute when Te Teko managed to hold onto the ball and made a break through replacement back Asa Wimutu, who set up Chisholm for his second try.

Fullback Gavin Causer nailed a tricky sideline conversion to put Te Teko ahead, 14-8.

Wihapi’s effort put Te Teko ahead 19-8, with 10 minutes to go.

A Poasi Uitalia break set up Marist’s second try, which went to winger Ratu Gabrieli following a good draw and pass from Cody Neale.

Down 19-13 with just four minutes remaining, Setareki Yabaki raced all of 60 metres to score, although with the chance to win it off the tee, Te Pou pushed it wide.

Wihapi was outstanding for Te Teko as was Chisholm, while Bailey Williams got through a power of work.

Marist’s best were Alamoti Te Pou, who put in a strong 80-minute shift, which included some strong tackles and good lineout wins.

Yabaki added plenty of energy off the bench, while Luke Grant dominated at scrum time when introduced. Openside flanker Mahuta Gemmell also impressed.

In the other EBOP Premier clashes, TVC were too strong for Tāneatua, 24-17.

A hat-trick to prop Joseph Roberts was enough to get TVC home with Tāneatua’s Cade Coxon helping himself to a double.

At Tiwi Black Park in Rūātoki, the home team were too strong for Poroporo, winning 40-17.

Beaudein Waaka dictated proceedings superbly at first five while Jacob Wera-Cook was also strong.

The best for Poroporo was Chris Kilgariff-Naylor, while Hutu Harris also played well.

In the senior reserve grade, Edgecumbe continued their winning ways with a 36-10 victory over Te Teko B in what their last home game until the playoffs.

Waimana showed they are starting to hit their straps with a 72-12 win over Mātata at Waimana Domain.

In the Baywide premier grade. Ōpōtiki had byes in both the divisions.

This weekend sees Ōpōtiki play host to Mount Maunganui, with the development teams clashing in an early game.

In the senior reserve grade, Paroa B welcomes Waimana to Lawson Park and Mātata host Poroporo, with Edgecumbe and Te Teko having the bye.

In the premier grade, Rūātoki host Whakatāne Marist, Tāneatua welcome Poroporo to Rob Shaw Park and Paroa host TVC at Lawson Park, with Te Teko given a bye.