Close encounters of the rugby kind in Poverty Bay-EBoP exchange

High School Old Boys back Matt Profitt eludes a Ruatoki player in a pre-club rugby season match at the Oval on Saturday. The blue and whites were beaten 25-21 by their Eastern Bay of Plenty opponents in one of several entertaining clashes.Picture by Paul Rickard

Three close encounters, two cancellations and one blowout summed up the Poverty Bay club rugby preseason matches against Eastern Bay of Plenty teams in Gisborne on Saturday.

Unfortunately, Poverty Bay reigning Premier champions YMP’s clash against Te Teko at Barry Park and Waikohu’s match with Paroa at Te Karaka were cancelled on the day.

The other  matches were played in near-perfect conditions at the Oval as was a replacement match for the Barry Park fixture.

At the Oval, OBM played a committed Whakatāne Marist and the visitors pushed the hosts to the limit in what could easily have been a grand final — OBM taking the victory spoils 27-22.

On the neighbouring field, HSOB showed plenty of skill and commitment against a resilient and determined Ruatoki, who scored a try in the dying stages, then slotted a difficult conversion attempt to get the better of their hosts, 25-21.

Pirates brought proceedings at the Oval to an end in a battle royal against Poroporo. Little separated the sides in an entertaining game — Pirates getting across the line 22-19.

These three games were signs of good things to come in the Poverty Bay competition, which starts with the Tiny White Opening Day on April 6.

Poverty Bay Premier newcomers Tapuae sent a clear warning they will be a strong presence as they overwhelmed East Coast club side Waiapu 58-5 in the replacement game at Barry Park.

Ngātapa headed through the gorge to take on Ōpōtiki and the EBoP side prevailed 48-7 in that match.