Te Puke Sports coach Craig Jeffries credits Te Puke's outstanding scrummaging to former Crusader and Highlander flanker Jake Paringatai, who has made a big impact on and off the field this season.
"We have put a big emphasis on set piece and Jake Paringatai coming into our group this year had added so much in that area," Jeffries said.
"His ability to coach a scrum has been a massive part."
Tauranga Sports coach Mike Rogers was gracious in defeat, refusing to use the unavailability of three key tight forwards for the hammering his team received up front.
Meanwhile, Mount Maunganui became the third team to secure their spot in the play-offs with an important 34-19 victory over Greerton.
The bonus-point win came as bad news for Rotorua club side Whakarewarewa.
Fifth-placed Whaka also won with a bonus point on Saturday 40-26 against a good Whakatane Marist team, but are now out of reach of third-placed Mount Maunganui.
There is only one round left in the regular season and they need Rotoiti to slip up next weekend against Rangataua (away) if they are to play in the semifinals in a fortnight.
Fourth-placed Rotoiti were ruthless on Saturday as they continued their march towards the play-offs with a huge 85-0 win over Paroa.
Rotoiti's Matt Landers scored five tries during the game.
