Rugby: City teams too strong for the country

Te Puna openside flanker Greg Stevenson takes on the Greerton Marist defence on Saturday. Photo / Ron Pearson

It is only two rounds into the 12-round Bayfair Baywide Premier competition but there are already some ominous signs for all the passionate supporters of rugby in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

In the pre-season local tournament, the talk coming out of the widest extremities of the Bay of Plenty was they would be more competitive than last year.

But Eastern's top team Opotiki have started with two soul-destroying hidings " at the hands of Tauranga Sports (62-10) and Te Puke Sports. Te Puke beat them 80-7 at Murray Salt Stadium on Saturday, with Steamers halfback Jono Kitto coming off the bench to score four tries in the second half.

Whakatane Marist put 58 points on Waikite in round one but were soundly beaten 57-25 at home by Mount Maunganui on Saturday. Paroa conceded 91 points in round one, to Whakarewarewa, but bounced back to win over third-rated Rotorua club Waikite.

Whakarewarewa's Steamers inside back Te Rangi Fraser scored 34 points, including four tries against Rangataua, who led 15-11 at the break but have now conceded more than 40 points in both rounds. Rotoiti arrived at Tauranga Domain confident they could topple Tauranga Sports but were defeated 36-5.

Tauranga Sports coach Mike Rogers was happy with the first half lead of 19-0.

"It was pretty comprehen-sive. Our defensive effort was awesome, the best of the year. I was very satisfied with that part of it but disappointed with the final 20 minutes," Rogers said.

Te Puna and Greerton Marist were close to making the semifinals last year and it was Te Puna who won the key clash between them at Greerton Park by 26-22. The win showed the determination Te Puna's coach Daniel Quate has imparted in his players, who battled into a stiff second-half breeze.

Greerton Marist had the better start but Te Puna managed to go to the break leading 9-7 through the boot of captain and halfback Te Aihe Toma. Former Southland ITM Cup first five Richard Apanui, who has been playing professionally in France for seven years, played a key part in the second-half performance.

"We started pretty slowly but didn't drop our heads at all and stuck to our systems. Into the wind, we managed to hold on to the ball for long periods and score a couple of extra tries, which was good," Quate said.

"Richard Apanui had a blinder and our centre Pomare Pearson was just awesome on defence. He put on a few big hits in the second half when we needed it that were game changers. Te Ahi Toma led well and took charge in that second half."