The game was won 28-10 by Mount Maunganui with Mason Walker and Sam Mayes scoring tries for the Marlins and Here Hiha crossing for the home side. Immaculate goal kicking by Pera Gibbs made the difference in a competitive game played in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Arataki coach Marty Bourke says they showed they have earned the right to play in the grade.
"I am pretty happy with our guys. We defended probably 70 per cent of that game well and we were fit enough, so I am really pleased actually. A win would have been great but that's an end result.
"We would have got a lot of self-belief out of today but the boys are really disappointed. They set pretty high standards for themselves about not wanting to just participate in the comp but to be a dominant force."
Mount Maunganui gained an advantage at scrum time, particularly in the second half, although the clearing of the ball from the back of the Arataki scrum under pressure by new Bay of Plenty contracted player Henry Stowers was superb.
Arataki captain and tight head prop Taite Smith says overall it was a fairly even battle up front.
"Our scrum started off well but at that next level in the Premiers you have to switch on for the whole 80 with the whole pack switching on for those scrums when you really need it" he said. "They tactically used their front row well by swapping their players which I guess when you have that depth you can. But it is just one game and we can definitely compete in this competition."
Mount Maunganui Sports captain Chris Elvin was pleased how his team adapted to the wet conditions.
"We tried to plan an expansive game but the weather did not let us do that or their D did not let us do that either. They are a pretty well-coached side with a lot of good players. I admit I was a bit nervous coming into this game, into the unknown, so it was pretty good to get the W."
