"Waimana were very hard to play against. They put us under a lot of pressure in the first 20 minutes and they could have taken the lead," he said.
"They have quite a few new players but it didn't show - their communication was very strong, they were a very vocal and loud side who wanted to intimidate us.
"But we defended well and had a great tight-head five. We also dominated in the scrum and lineout.
"All the front row were excellent and really powered us going forward, especially Khan. And Aonui really excelled getting forward and throwing herself on the line."
Waikite remain at the top of the table on 20 points, after three previous comfortable victories, with a three point cushion between themselves and second-placed Tokoroa.
Despite Waikite's successful start this season captain Eliza Stephens believes the team must "push their game up to the next level" to retain their title.
"It wasn't easy against Waimana. They were very physical and really went for it and they were strong in every area on the pitch," she said.
"And it's only going to get harder from here. Every team wants to knock us off our perch and they have nothing to lose.
'We have to step up. We are playing well at the moment but there are tougher challenges to come.
"I am confident in every player's ability, and we have real quality in the side. The big games are coming and we have to be ready."
The reigning champions will be back in action in two weeks time against third-placed Rangiuru who thrashed Rotoiti 60-0 at home last weekend.
They face second-placed Tokoroa the Sunday after. Tokoroa thumped Te Whanau Apanui 85-0 at home in their last game.
Stephens, who has captained the side for five years, said these crucial fixtures could determine the final competition standings.
"Really the title race starts now," said Stephens. "Whoever makes their mark in these tough games will have the advantages going into the semifinal stages.
"We have to build on our early success and our challenge is likely to be harder than last year. That trophy doesn't have our name on it so we cannot afford to be complacent. We have to work hard and keep our eye on the prize."
Results
Baywide Premier women's: Waikite 34 Waimana 0, Rangiuru 60 Rotoiti 0, Arataki 68 Tauranga Sports 5, Tokoroa 85 Te Whanau Apanui 0.
Points: Waikite 20, Tokoroa 17, Rangiuru 16, Waimana 14, Arataki 10, Te Whanau Apanui 1, Rotoiti 1, Tauranga Sports 0.
