Rugby: Rotoiti maintain unbeaten start

Rotoiti's unbeaten start to Baywide premiership remains intact, although Rotorua's top side got a stern test from Te Puna before edging to a 19-13 win at Maramatanga Park.

Last Saturday's clash lived up to its billing as a rugged contest, with the teams locked together at 6-all at halftime.

The first half points came from kicks, with Rotoiti's Whakataki Cunningham and Te Puna's new premier recruit Villi Tia each banging over two penalties.

Cunningham gave his side the lead 10 minutes into the second half with his third penalty before the lead was extended further when a Rotoiti breakout resulted in Matt Landers finishing the attack.

Cunningham's conversion and another penalty stretched the lead before Te Puna youngster Te Aihi Toma started a move that saw Tapene Mika cross for the try for the home side, earning a bonus point courtesy of finishing within seven points of the visitors.

Defending premier champions Te Puke Sports ran riot over Greerton Marist at Murray Salt Stadium with an emphatic 68-7 victory.

Simon Chisholm, Fred Ovrabah and Mark Nicolaas all scored two tries, with Chub Hale, Ryan Lambert, Mike Flood and Ben Ward also dotting the ball down.

Nick McCashin's good start to the season continued, with the Steamers utility converting nine of the Te Puke tries.

The Easter Baywide premier programme opened on Thursday night when Whakarewarewa held off a spirited challenge from near neighbours Waikite, banking a 26-24 victory. Waikite led 19-5 at halfway, with both sides picking up a bonus point for four tries.

Tauranga Sports posted their first win of the season when they won the Western Bay battle of the bridge 25-10 against winless Mount Maunganui, while Opotiki continued their sterling start to the season, racing away from Rangataua 45-5.

Ngongotaha continued their unbeaten trot in division one when they romped past Reporoa 43-15, with Whakatane Marist getting past Poroporo 22-7. Rangiuru downed Ruatoki 42-32.

Former colts titleholders Mount Maunganui thrashed Tauranga Sports 36-8 while Greerton Marist reversed last season's championship result with a 16-10 win over Te Puke Sports.