Whakarewarewa cemented their position in the top four with an emphatic 69-0 win over Matata.
They can now put their feet up for two weeks, with the bye next week and the whole competition taking a week off before the quarter-finals on July 15.
Matata remain bottom of the table, but for a team who joined the competition this year, the enthusiasm and determination they play with is truly admirable and will set them up for a bright future.
Whakarewarewa started slowly at Puarenga Park yesterday and were made to fight for territory and possession during the opening 15 minutes. However, once they started getting their hands on the ball their electric backline shone.
Centre Tania-Rose Raharuhi opened the scoring on the back of a strong run and offload from first five Terina Mohi. Whakarewarewa followed that up with a try to fullback Caitlin Hamilton, who found space on the left edge.
Leading 14-0 after 25 minutes, Whakarewarewa had the momentum, but the Matata heads never dropped as they continued to desperately defend their line and compete at the breakdown.
However, the more of the ball Whakarewarewa saw, the more their confidence grew and in the final 10 minutes of the half they added tries to Terri King, Taryn Stone, Mohi and Teiria Sandle to lead 36-0 at the break.
Whakarewarewa fullback Caitlin Hamilton makes a run against Matata. Photo/Stephen Parker
Whakarewarewa picked up where they left off in the second half and, after a break up the left hand side, the ball fell to Nadine Stone who dived over to score.
Always powerful lock Renee Fletcher scored soon afterwards, taking a quick tap and showing her strength to bulldoze her way over.
The try was converted and Whakarewarewa led 48-0. Raharuhi scored two more tries to complete her hat-trick while Mohi put the cherry on top with her second to make it 69-0.
Whakarewarewa coach Ron James said his side was starting to show some "real potential".
"We're sticking to our structure and the girls are really understanding it, so it's really pleasing. We've taken a step up and now it's a few weeks until our next game, the quarter-final.
"I thought Matata, for a new club and a young club, did pretty well. There are some girls there that have got the heart - hopefully they stick with it and they'll keep growing," James said.
Whakarewarewa first five Terina Mohi was at her tackle-breaking best against Matata on Saturday. Photo/Stephen Parker
Matata co-manager Matt Brown said you could not question the "Matata heart".
"The ladies show up and always give 110 per cent, which is all you can ask for. Most of the team haven't played before, most are converts from other sports, but they keep showing up for each other, which is awesome to see.
"It is exciting [to have a new team this year], it brings a buzz to the community. We have supporters who follow the team around and it brings a lot of pride, especially for the ladies playing," Brown said.
He was proud of the character and positivity the players had shown, despite some heavy losses.
"They work really hard every week at training. They know it's their first year, it's all about learning and despite what the scores show they've improved every week."
Baywide Women's Premier results Rangiuru 25 Rangataua 34, Whakarewarewa 71 Matata 0, Waimana 12 Waikite 17 (game called off early due to serious injury). Rotoiti the bye.
