Inspired by a group of club legends, Te Puna started the new Baywide club rugby season in thrilling fashion on Saturday, beating arch-rivals Rangataua 30-29.
Rangataua playmaker Ruki Tipuna couldn't nail a last-gasp conversion attempt from wide out which would have snatched the win, while Te Puna scored six tries to
three to join Waikite as the leaders after the first round.
Te Puna's performance was given a massive boost by the presence of 14 members of the all-conquering 1963 Te Puna side, brought together for a reunion by stalwart Mick Bidois. Bidois orchestrated a moving ceremony before the premier side stripped, as the elder team members detailed to their younger clubmates just what made them such a champion outfit.
And it worked, as Te Puna stunned the visitors with four first-half tries, going on to claim the Jordan Cup Western Bay challenge trophy.
Defending champions Tauranga Sports also made a winning start, though there was little to enthuse about in an error-ridden 25-6 win over beaten 2010 finalist Te Puke. Te Puke's tight five dominated the contest, though their loosies were no match for Tauranga's trio, bolstered by the return of Scott McCormick after a four-year break.
New Steamers signing Chris Noakes knocked over four first-half penalties on the picturesque Wharepai Domain and when he left the field injured, first-five Nick Evemy carried on seamlessly. The result was well and truly decided before Portuguese wing Nuno Penha E Costa touched down in the last play of the game.
Tauranga skipper Adam Robinson is adamant his side isn't feeling any extra pressure as the club goes for a fifth consecutive Baywide title this year.
"We're starting this year afresh and it's a whole new team this year so we're not thinking of winning five in a row - we're going all out to win one this year," he said.
Whakarewarewa bulldozed Mount Maunganui aside 22-10 at Blake Park, with Kelly Haimona's presence helping the visitors build on a 7-3 halftime lead.
Waikite provided the biggest shock of the round, carving up Rotoiti to win 46-7 in the Rotorua derby, while Opotiki proved too polished for neighbouring Whakatane Marist.
