Like most top-level players in the twilights of their careers, Quate is back playing at grassroots for the right reasons and has added a dollop of professionalism to a Te Puna line-up shaping early as top-four contenders this season. Quate departed for Japan from Southland, having previously played for his home province Hawke's Bay, and also suited up in Super Rugby for the Highlanders. He signed for the Steamers two years ago after finishing with Toyota but activated an outclause before he even played a game for his new province when Japan side Yamaha came calling. He and wife Lynley have set up house in Papamoa, meaning a significant commute to training.
Despite outscoring Te Puna three tries to two, Mt Maunganui look anything but semifinal contenders, with their sole area of dominance on Saturday in the scrums.
They jumped to a 7-0 lead with a burrowing try to halfback Tyrone Heke, converted by first-five Te Aihe Toma, before Mount hit back when hooker Duncan Walker was mauled over.
A Quate turnover on his own 22 yielded Te Puna's second try when they attacked up both flanks. A mismatch in numbers and pace on the left sent wing Tipu Clarke in, with Toma's conversion giving them a 14-5 halftime lead. Mount found scant continuity, unable even to make use of a numerical advantage with Te Puna flanker Marty Stevenson sinbinned for tipping No8 Chris Elvin in a tackle.
Toma landed a trio of second-half penalties to give his side some breathing room as Mount hit back with tries to Ray Burgess and Aaron Carroll. Quate said with a couple of home games at Maramatanga Park looming the side's confidence was up.
"The structure we're playing with is good and we've got a bit of confidence, although we're trying to keep the ball in contact so we can push a bit more. Ideally we want to play some running rugby but we've got something to build on."
Te Puke Sports are also setting an early pace, giving Tauranga Sports an unexpected 42-11 trouncing at Murray Slat Stadium.
Te Puke led 14-0 at halftime but upped the ante after the break to finish with six tries. French recruit Fred Ovrabah opened his account for Te Puke with a try, with the reigning premier champion's other five pointers scored by Simon Rolleston, Nathan Harris, Sipa Moi Moi, Ben Ward and Gideon Uelese. Nick McCashin added 12 points with his boot, with Tauranga's meagre contribution to the game coming from a Johan Meintjers try and two penalties from Lewis Hancock. Rotoiti also showed they will be a threat, running in nine tries on the way to beating Rangataua 58-14. Siegfreid Fisiihoi, who has moved into tighthead prop from the back of the scrum, was in dynamic form with three tries.
After posting a 17-point advantage by halftime, Whakarewarewa had to withstand a comeback from Greerton Marist before prevailing 37-27.
Waikite posted their first win of the season 31-27 against Opotiki. Eastern Bay division one teams Te Teko and Whakatane Marist both suffered agonisingly defeats, with Rangiuru bouncing back from a big opening weekend loss to edge Te Teko 36-34, while Kahukura got past Whakatane 32-31. Former Baywide premier heavyweight Ngongotaha continued their Baywide resurgence, winning the Rotorua derby with Marist St Michaels 27-12.
Paroa posted a win over fellow Eastern Bay side Ruatoki with a 57-3 win while Poroporo proved too strong for Reporoa 47-12.
Mount Maunganui colts, who took the Western Bay challenge trophy from defending champions Te Puke Sports, continued their run of form, defeating Te Puna 14-3. Te Puke suffered their second successive loss, were beaten by Tauranga Sports 26-18, while Rangataua ran away from Rotoiti 48-12.
