The Western Bay of Plenty division one competition kicked off in style on Saturday.
Judea, Katikati, Rangiuru and Arataki, who are bound for the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Division One in May, have been joined in division one by Papamoa, Matakana Island and Eastern Districts, who will chase a berth in the Baywide Division Two playoffs later in the season.
Judea, who were promoted after winning division two last year, made a good start to their campaign when they beat Matakana Island 33-0 at at Maharia Winiata Park.
The royal blue and white brigade, sponsored by Body in Motion, had a good lead at the halftime break. Judea's tries were awarded to Marshall Tawa, Braydon Pompey, Simon Anderson, Victor Toetoe and Rich Mareroa with Anderson adding four conversions.
A thriller took place at Moore Park in Katikati, where the home side sneaked home by a point from Rangiuru. The game was a close encounter all the way with Katikati getting home 25-24. The match at Grenada Park, between Arataki and Papamoa, saw Arataki hold a narrow lead at halftime before running away in the second spell to win 44-21.
