Rugby: Kahukura only Rotorua winner in first round

Kahukura is the only Rotorua winner in the first round of the Baywide Division One competition.

Kahukura were the only Rotorua club side to register a win during the opening round of the Baywide Division One competition.

They defeated Te Teko 17-15 on Saturday at home. Kahukura No8 AJ Axtens was one of the stars during the close match, which saw Kahukura come from behind at half time.

Ngongotaha also fought out a close match which ended 18-18 against Katikati. The two sides were level at half time and nothing could separate them after 80 minutes.

Ngongotaha coach Jimi McLean said they would settle for the draw on Saturday.

"You always want the four points, that is the preference, but taking two points is better than no points."

Marist St Michael's lost 15-0 at home to newly-promoted Arataki.

Marist coach Barry Uerata said he was impressed with Arataki.

"They would be looking at the top four the way they played yesterday, and hats off to them."

Meanwhile, Waikite lost away to Paroa 31-19. Waikite had a slow start to the match and could not manage to get back into the contest.

Baywide Division One results on Saturday:

Kahukura 17 Te Teko 15, Marist St Michael's 0 Arataki 15, Ngongotaha 18 Katikati 18, Paroa 31 Waikite 19.