Waikite dominate in opening game

Waikite captain Eliza Stephens was happy with her team's opening performance on Sunday. Photo/File

Waikite top the table after demolishing a young Rotoiti side 61-5 at Emery Park.

The win never looked in doubt for Waikite, who dominated with an experienced pack in the opening game of the Bay of Plenty Women's Club Rugby competition on the weekend.

It was just the start that captain Eliza Stephens, 39, had wanted and she was particularly pleased with the performances from prop Bobbin Tekoi, back Animei Skudder and the return of New Zealand touch player Autumn-Rain Stephens.

"We weren't playing against a very strong side but I was very happy with how we performed in every area. We had good momentum and kept adding to the score instead of taking our foot off the pedal," she said.

"We had a very strong forward line, and Bobbin stood out with her work effort and setting up a platform. From there we were able to set up the backs and they had free reign to attack.

"Animei was in good form and used her pace, and our line speed picked up with the return of Autumn which made a big difference for the tries.

"Rotoiti didn't roll over, it's just they have a very young team and it takes times to gel. We were able to use this to our advantage and the real test was to see how we performed over a full 80 minutes."

Rotoiti's Freda Hohepa found Waikite difficult to defend against but was able to take some positives.

"I thought our first half went really well, we stuck to our formation and defended. Waikite are a very tough team and always have been but that first 40 minutes our girls did awesome."

Reigning champions Waikite now lead the premier division on 5 points, with Arataki and Waimana closely behind in second and third on four points.

This weekend Waikite will look to build on their impressive start when they host second place Arataki at Bellvue Road. Arataki narrowly beat Te Whanau Apanui 34-24 on Saturday.

"It will certainly be a tougher test for us," said Stephens. "And we are going to have to pick up our game over the next couple of matches.

"We are ready for this though and we have a brilliant group of core experienced players who are working well for us.

"There is a great balance with our backs and forwards so we have to make the most of this and make sure we keep setting up opportunities for the backs to make the most of."

Rotoiti will look to improve and make sure they are prepared to face a strong forward pack again as they take on third placed Waimana away next weekend at Waimana.

"They have a real strong forward pack and last year they were hard to play against. But you know we will give it our best shot and we are learning and developing all the time," said Hohepa.

Results:

Baywide Premier:
Rangiuru 17 v Tokoroa 17
Waikite 61 v Rotoiti 5
Arataki 34 v Te Whanau Apanui 24
Waimana won by default over Tauranga Sports
Baywide Development Points:
Waikite 5
Arataki 4
Waimana 4
Rangiuru 2
Tokoroa 2
Rotoiti 0
Te Whanau Apanui 0
Tauranga Sports 0