Rugby: Rotoiti salvage pride

Rotoiti salvaged some pride in the Baywide rugby competition with a 41-5 win over Paroa in the final round of the competition.

With a place in the Baywide semi-final lost, pride was all that was left for the lakesiders when they took on the Eastern Bay of Plenty counterparts.

However, the only other Rotorua team in the premier division, Whakarewarewa, couldn't hold back Te Puna, losing 24-8 at Puarenga Park at the weekend.

Tauranga Sports ran over Rangataua 72-19 at the Tauranga Domain to finish the regular season with a massive 30-point lead on the standings, to easily finish as top qualifier for next weekend's Baywide Premier playoffs.

Just six minutes into the game flying Tauranga winger Phillip Togotogorua grabbed the first of his two touchdowns. Three further home team tries to Lewis Hancock, Callum Armstrong and Nick Thomson saw Tauranga Sports take a 29-7 lead into the half-time break.

Wanting to make a statement to the other premier contenders, Sports racked up another seven touchdowns in the second spell, with Tauranga player of the day Mitch Greenway and Jeff Thwaites both scoring two tries apiece.

Mount Maunganui, defeated defending Baywide Premier champions Te Puke Sports 22-16 at Te Puke headquarters, to finish the qualifying competition in second equal place with the defending titleholders. Bay of Plenty Steamer Kenny Lynn along with Zane Butler and Sam Beard scored the Mount's tries, with Michael Hinaki crossing for the home team.

A winner take all battle for the last semi-final place took place in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, between Opotiki and Greerton Marist. Playing in front of a vocal parochial crowd, Opotiki led all the way and were in the box seat at the half way stage of the encounter, holding a 25-6 lead. While Greerton rallied in the second spell, the home side held on to post a 32-22 victory.

The weekend's results will see Tauranga Sports host Opotiki at the Tauranga Domain in one semi-final next Saturday while Mount Maunganui who grabbed the home venue on countback, will play Te Puke Sports for the second successive weekend.

In division one Rangiuru beat Waikite 16-3, Te Teko overpowered Ruatoki 38-24, Ngongotaha were too good for Whakatane Marist, beating them 35-27, Katikati beat Kahukura 27-24 and Poroporo beat Marist St Michaels 24-21.