Despite having a former All Black in their line-up, Marist St Michael's have been well beaten by Rangiuru, going down 53-8 at home.
While much of the crowd eagerly awaited Liam Messam's return to the club yesterday, there were still valuable Premier 2 competition points up for grabs and Rangiuru's performance showed they have the credentials to be pushing for a top four spot.
Both sides are blessed with electric backlines, happy to attack from anywhere on the field.
However, Rangiuru's ability to make the most of their opportunities was the difference. Marist were guilty of trying to force the issue too often as countless errors prevented them building any real momentum.
Rangiuru shot out to a 14-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes, with tries to second five Ngatai Kingi and winger Lote Tuidravu. Marist came back with a strong period of possession and it paid off when winger Jimione Mateyawa ran on to a perfect pass from first five Solomone Kaitani to score in the corner and reduce the deficit.
Rangiuru piled on the pressure towards the end of the first half. Marist were hanging on by their fingertips but in the end, gave away a penalty try. Rangiuru led 21-8 at the break.
The second half was a little scrappy, but Rangiuru were always in control. Their fullback Elijah Nicholas was the standout. With speed and power to burn he injected himself into the attacking line often, to devastating effect. He scored the bonus point fourth try to make it 28-8.
Rangiuru's Isaac Te Aute in action against Marist St Michael's. Photo / Stephen Parker
With 20 minutes left to play, Liam Messam entered the fray. While his class was evident and his presence gave the side an energy boost, it was not enough against a Rangiuru side who looked more dangerous with every minute.
The tries kept coming for Rangiuru as they really put the foot down in the latter stages of the match, racing to a comfortable 53-8 victory.
Marist St Michael's coach Mike Lewis, who also played in the second half, said it was a tough game.
"Rangiuru are a really good team, they're going to go a long way and they've got a couple of pretty handy players there. It's their 125th year this year, it's a special year for them and they're going really well, so we knew we were up against it.
"We hoped the presence of the big man [Messam] would help us out a little bit and it did, the feeling was good. There are a couple of little things to work on. After stepping up to Premier 2 we're finding the physicalities are a big step up," Lewis said.
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He said Messam was "fantastic".
"He was at training on Thursday, on time and really keen. He's humble as and got excited when I gave him a warm-up T-shirt this morning. I was pushing pretty hard to get more than 20 minutes out of him, but that's mandated by the Chiefs. He has to follow the rules, he's got a big year for the Chiefs.
"It was massive for the club, having him here, it was a good day for the club," he said.
Farmlands Co-operative Baywide club rugby results
Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Premier 1 Te Puna 31 Tauranga Sports 32 Te Puke 46 Whakarewarewa 17 Greerton 30 Rangataua 24 Rotoiti 21 Mount Maunganui 31
Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Premier 1 Development Te Puna 31 Tauranga Sports 12 Te Puke 70 Whakarewarewa 15 Greerton 21 Rangataua 17 Rotoiti 15 Mount Maunganui 25
Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Premier 2 Arataki 50 Te Teko 17 Waikite 25 Ōpōtiki 24 Ngongotahā 52 Whakatāne Marist 12 Marist St Michael's 8 Rangiuru 53
Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Premier 2 Development Arataki 19 Te Teko 21 Waikite 15 Ōpōtiki 38 Ngongotahā 60 Whakatāne Marist 7 Marist St Michael's 20 Rangiuru 31
