Rugby League: Eels dominate defending champions

It was billed as the clash of last year's titans but Otumoetai Eels ensured it was a one-sided fizzer as they beat Tauranga Whalers 54-10 in the Bay of Plenty district rugby league premiership on Saturday.

Bay Sprint Couriers-sponsored Eels, the Coastline champions, ran in 10 tries in the win at Mitchell Park against the reigning Arataki-based Bay of Plenty champions.

Half Josh Weeden steered the Eels impressively, scoring two tries and converting six with his playmaking and kicking game confounding the Whalers.

Captain Mikaere October and national touch sensation Arepa Ohia, just home from representing New Zealand across the Tasman, were others who shined, with Eels coach Brett Rodger having the luxury of substituting all three just after halftime to give his reserves a go before they meet the only other unbeaten team, Rotorua's Pikiao Warriors, this weekend.

Whalers coach Paul Pou was left to rue the loss of two players - Jeff Mokomoko (dislocated knee) and Hamish Newlands (broken ankle) - to season-ending injuries just before halftime, with fullback Floy Te Kani also finishing the game on the sideline after refusing to play, apparently unhappy at not being allowed to play in the halves.

In the other game on the day, up-and-coming players from last year's Eels under-17s, Ruapani Smith and Pila Visesio, each collected hat-tricks against Tauranga Whalers in their 12 try, 11 conversion 70-20 demolition in the premier reserve grade, with Ruapani bagging 32 points.

In Rotorua, Pikiao thrashed hapless Forestland Falcons 50-16 and Tokoroa's Pacific Sharks thumped Rotorua's Central Lions 62-10.

The winner of this Saturday's clash between Pikiao and Otumoetai at Puketawhero Park can be confident of the top spot as the only unbeaten team after five rounds.

On Sunday in Whakatane against last year's Bay of Plenty under-15 champions,the Mars Marine-sponsored Otumoetai Eels juniors capped a great weekend by taking a hard-fought 20-16 win, with second rower Brad Armstrong showing strong defence and attack to take player of the day and brilliant half Liam McNeil scoring two well-deserved tries.

Others who made a big effort included Moshea Mankelow and 13-year-olds Bailey Nicholas and Logan Te Ao.