League: Unforgiving welcome to top division

Connor Hohepa won last week's game for the Otumoetai Eels with a penalty in injury time. Photo / File

Papamoa Bulldogs were shocked into the reality of senior competition rugby league at Gordon Spratt Reserve last Saturday after a 72-8 hiding from Tokoroa Forestland Falcons in round one of the BOP-Coastline combined division one competition.

The Bulldogs had some strong moments in the game but playing the full 80 minutes at pace will have taught them much.

For the Falcons, the Dawson brothers Anthony and Levi, who both scored two tries, were instrumental in setting the pattern of the day along with winger Aaron Bell who scored three and kicked eight conversions in an 11 tries to two romp.

For the Bulldogs, brothers Lotomataolutu and Lotomau Aukuso played strongly in a beaten pack along with Paul Edmonds who scored their two tries.

In the other local Coastline game in division one, Kawerau Putauaki Stags repelled newcomers Taneatua Warriors 30-22 and Putaruru Dragons defeated Tauhara Maunga from Taupo 26-22.

Otumoetai Eels premiers started their season off in the premier division on a winning note in Taupo, but only just. A 45m penalty shot after the bell by dynamic half Connor Hohepa won the game 18-17, after an arm wrestle for the whole 80 minutes.

In other premier matches, Pikiao Warriors and Ngongotaha Chiefs drew 32-all while Pacific Sharks hammered Mangakino Hawks 82-16 in Tokoroa.

•Round 1 results:

Premiers: Otumoetai 18 Taupo 16, Pikiao 32 Ngongotaha 32, Pacific 82 Mangakino 16.
Reserves: Taupo 48 Otumoetai 24, Pacific 40 Reporoa 28, Central 50 Pikiao 20.
Division 1: Putauaki 30 Taneatua 22, Forestland 72 Papamoa 8, Putaruru 26 Tauhara 22.

•Tomorrow's draw:

Premiers: Otumoetai Eels host Ngongotaha at Mitchell Park, 2.30pm; Pikiao are away to Mangakino and Taupo take on Pacific at Tokoroa.

Reserve: Otumoetai Eels host Central Lions at Mitchell Park at 12.45pm; Pikiao travel to Reporoa Razorbacks and Pacific host Taupo.

Division 1: Papamoa Bulldogs host Putauaki at at Gordon Spratt Reserve, 1pm; Taneatua travel to Putaruru; Tauhara are away to Forestland in Reporoa.