Rugby: Whaka get campaign back on track (+pics)

Whaka's Te Rangi Fraser slid over for three tries against Opotiki at Puarenga Park on Saturday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Whakarewarewa produced a much improved performance against Opotiki at Puarenga Park on Saturday as they ran out comfortable 57-17 winners.

The victory never looked in doubt and the home side slid over with an impressive nine tries, including three from back Te Rangi Fraser.

It was a much-needed win for Whaka, who had lost four games in a row, and had been given stern words earlier in the week about performance from head coach Kopae Irihei.

"We have been in search of a win for a while and every player was made aware of what they needed to do," said Irihei.

"It was very satisfying to watch, and we were very strong in the scrum area and line-outs which had caused us problems in previous weeks.

"Te Rangi put in an exceptional performance, and was able to play with some flair and style which hasn't happened in recent games.

"But this was really a team performance, and we kept our structure throughout the game which is so important. We were clinical under the sticks and had some great players back from injury which boosted the side."

Whaka players Reuben Edwards, Maake Taulahi, Eru Wano, Mo Pou Poasa, Andrew Noble, Jaya More also scored tries and the return of kicker Ryubyn Vaipo made a difference, converting six.

The victory leaves Whaka in eighth place on 13 points in the Baywide premier after seven rounds, and they look to get their first back-to-back wins next week when they take on league strugglers Arataki who disappointingly lost 20-19 to Greerton Marist on the weekend.

"We have to push on from this performance and keep our structures strong in the next game," said Irihei. "The side wasn't tested too much this week so we can't afford to revel in the victory and hopefully against Arataki we'll get another much needed win under our belts.

"Arataki are a fairly new side in the division so we aren't entirely sure what to expect but if we work hard this week and get the basics right we can start to push up the league."

Elsewhere in Rotorua, Rotoiti won their second game on the trot beating top of the table Whakatane Marist 27-17 at Emery Park in a game littered with penalties.

Rotoiti tries were scored by Ben Wardlow who dived over off a ruck in the opposition 22, whilst Logan Henry took an opportunity off a free-kick close to the try line.

It was the talented kicker Logan who was the deciding factor in the game, converting five penalties and manager Clyde Whata praised his performance.

"Henry had an outstanding game, and it was his kicking that really was the difference," Whata said.

"It was a very hard game. Both teams were fighting for the ball and the discipline just seemed to go right out the window.

"However I thought our backs defended really well, because we came under a lot of pressure and it was a great result for us."

Next weekend Rotoiti take on Opotiki.

Results:

Baywide Premier: Mount Maunganui 33 v Te Puke 14, Rotoiti 27 v Whakatane Marist 17, Rangataua 27 v Paroa 12, Tauranga Sports 38 v Te Puna 19, Greerton Marist 20 v Arataki 19, Whakarewarewa 57 v Opotiki 17.

Baywide Development: Whakatane Marist 42 v Rotoiti 22, Tauranga Sports 24 v Te Puna 15, Te Puke Sports 33 v Mount Maunganui 16, Whakarewarewa 66 v Opotiki 31, Rangataua 40 v Paroa 7, Arataki defeated Greerton Marist by 6 (score unknown).

Baywide Division 1: Waikite 31 v Ruatoki 25, Judea 13 v Kahukura 10, Marist St Michael's 8 v Poroporo 8, Ngongotaha 43 v Papamoa 0, Te Teko won by default v Katikati.

Baywide Premier Points: Whakatane Marist 30, Tauranga Sports 29, Mount Maunganui Sports 27, Te Puna 22, Te Puke Sports 22, Rangataua 19, Rotoiti 14, Whakarewarewa 13, Greerton Marist 12, Opotiki 7, Arataki 6, Paroa 4.