Rugby: Emotions high as crowd sees Arataki undefeated

It was with black armbands and heavy hearts that Arataki ran on to Grenada Park on Saturday to play Matakana Island after the passing of Arataki president Mike Rawiri during the week.

Playing with a huge amount of passion, the Arataki side had the tryline in their sights from the kickoff.

In front of the biggest crowd ever seen at Grenada Park, the two teams put their unbeaten records on the line. But Arataki were always in control and took out the encounter 37-19.

Another big crowd was at the Tauranga Domain to watch defending Seeka KI Western Bay of Plenty champions Tauranga Sports square off against long time rivals Mount Maunganui.

Also on the line was the WBOPRFS challenge trophy of the Hardy Rosebowl and the 41-23 victory preserved the Tauranga Sports unbeaten start to the season.

Eastern Districts and Judea posted their first wins of the year in emphatic style. Eastern Districts made good use of their home ground at Paengaroa Domain to beat Te Puna 42-33, with Judea hammering Te Puke Sports 103-3 at Maharia Winiata Park.

Rangataua continued their season renaissance defeating Greerton Marist 52-34, while Katikati got past Rangiuru 45-12 at Moore Park in Katikati.

Mount Maunganui Colts beat Tauranga Sports in a close affair in one of the early games at the Tauranga Domain, coming from behind to grab a 18-15 win. Te Puke Sports Colts flexed their muscles to defeat Te Puna 59-9.

Tauranga Sports retained the WBOPRFS premier challenge prize of the Jordan Cup, when they got home by a solitary point 27-26 in the main attraction at the Tauranga Domain.

Seeka KI Western BOP Senior Results April 13

Arataki 37 Matakana Island 19, Eastern Districts 42 Te Puna 33, Judea 103 Te Puke Sports 3, Katikati 45 Rangiuru 12, Rangataua 52 Greerton Marist 34, Tauranga Sports 41 Mount Maunganui 23.

Seeka KI Western BOP Colts Results

Mount Maunganui 18 Tauranga Sports 15, Te Puke Sports 59 Te Puna 9.

WBOPRFS Challenge Trophies

Premier (Jordan Cup): Tauranga Sports 27 Mount Maunganui 26.

Seeka KI Western BOP Competition (Hardy Rosebowl): Tauranga Sports 41 Mount Maunganui 23