A Western Bay sweep of all five Baywide titles that were on the line at the BOPRU grand finals day played at Baypark on Saturday included two teams that had played in the Western Bay of Plenty Sub-Union competitions.
Arataki not only won the Baywide Division Two title, but alsoearned a berth in the Baywide Division One ranks next season. The Grenada Park side return after falling at the last hurdle when beaten by Katikati in the final last year.
Memories of that defeat were erased when they defeated Eastern Bay's Kawerau 20-0. The first half was a torrid affair with Arataki holding a narrow 5-0 advantage at the break. The team who train and play just a stone's throw from Baypark Stadium kept the game tight, before spreading the ball wide in the second half with good effect. While the 20-point margin suggested a comfortable Arataki victory, Kawerau never gave up the fight and proved worthy adversaries in a game that was another grand finals day showcase.
Arataki first-five Joe Wagstaff ran his side's backline with a deft touch, with fullback Marty Bourke always dangerous with the ball in hand. The Div Two champions now have some time to reflect on a grand season, where they also annexed the Combined Cup which is awarded to the winners of the WBOPRFS Championship.
Tauranga Sports second fifteen set the scene for their premier counterparts when they won the Baywide Senior Reserve title, in the first game on field two at Baypark Stadium. They squared off against another Eastern Bay challenger in the Opotiki second side. The 20-10 win to Tauranga Sports capped a good season for the Tauranga Domain-based unit. During the Western Bay club season they defended the Hardy Rosebowl on eight occasions, before losing it to Rangataua, and also won the Gilbey Cup awarded to the Western Bay first-round winners.
