Waikite marked their return to the Premier ranks in Baywide rugby, with an emphatic 46-7 victory against 2010 semi-finalists Rotoiti. The Rotorua club who were one of the heavyweights of Baywide rugby a decade ago, laid down the gauntlet to the other Premier contenders, in the opening round of the Baywide Premier championship.

Leading 28 nil at the half way stage, the home side continued to dominate Rotoiti in the second spell, to post a comprehensive 39 point victory. For the victors Tu Williams, Rocky Paruru, Sam Webby, Kurtis Jones and Tony Lawrence touched down tries, with Quaid Langeveldt in grand kicking form slotting five penalty goals and three conversions.

Long time Western Bay rivals Te Puna and Rangataua played out a thriller at Maramatanga Park. While hosts Te Puna led 20-12 at half time courtesy of four tries, to four penalty goals slotted by Ruki Tipuna - the visitors stormed back into the encounter with two quick second half touchdowns to lead 24-20.

Te Puna were rewarded with one point lead when Heywood Kuka crossed, with Pomare Pearson grabbing the home sides sixth try with the clock ticking down. In the last play of the game Timoti Gardiner dotted down for Rangataua, but the kick to win the game went astray, with Te Puna taking out the nailbiter 30-29. The one point victory resulted in the Jordan Cup (Western BOP Challenge Trophy) changing hands.

Defending Baywide Premier champions Tauranga Sports who are chasing their fifth successive title, proved too strong for long time rivals Te Puke Sports, winning 25-6 at the Tauranga Domain.

While Tauranga Sports touched down two tries there kickers were in ominous form, with Chris Noakes slotting four penalty goals, and Nick Evemy adding two penalties and a conversion.

The Eastern Bay local derby, was taken out by Opotiki, who kept Whakatane Marist scoreless, posting a 16 nil victory. The ever reliable boot of Sam Howe produced three penalties, and the conversion of James Thompson’s try.

Former Baywide champions Whakarewarewa showed some good early season form, getting past last years beaten finalist Mount Maunganui 22-10, at Blake Park. Rawiri Tapiata, Trent Sweeney, Akira Mako scored tries for the visitors to the Western Bay of Plenty, with Chris Gilles crossing for Mount Maunganui.

In the Division One, Paroa showed that they would be a force to be reckoned with this season, defeating last years Div One finalist Rangiuru 19-12. In spite of being beaten by Greerton Marist 15-12, Katikati indicated that they will be competitive in their promotion to the second echelon of Baywide rugby.

In other matches Te Teko proved too strong for Ruatoki winning 49-5, Kakukura won a thriller against Marist St Michaels 27-25, with Ngongotaha despatching Reporoa 41-8.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Baywide Results 26 March 2011
Premier
Tauranga Sports 25 (Nuno Penha E Costa try; Nick Evemy 2 pen con, Chris Noakes 4 pen) Te Puke Sports 6 (Simon Rolleston 2pen). HT: 12-6.

Te Puna 30 (Hori Leef, JJ Whaiapu, Aidan Kuka, Turoia Kuka, Heywood Kuka, Pomare Pearson tries) Rangataua 29 (Luke O'Brien, Rueben Potaka, Timoti Gardiner tries; Ruki Tipuna 4pen con). HT: 20-12.

Opotiki 16 (James Thompson try; Sam Howe con 3pen) Whakatane Marist 0. HT: 16-0.

Whakarewarewa 22 (Rawiri Tapiata, Trent Sweeney, Akira Mako tries; Kelly Haimona 2con pen) Mount Maunganui 10 (Chris Gillies try; Sam Juricich con pen). HT: 7-3.

Waikite 46 (Tu Williams, Rocky Paruru, Sam Webby, Kurtis Jones, Tony Lawrence tries; Quaid Langeveldt 3 cons; Quaid Langeveldt 5 pens); Rotoiti 7 (Sikeli Vorenasu try, con).
Division One: Paroa 19 Rangiuru 12, Greerton Marist 15 Katikati 12, Te Teko 49 Ruatoki 5, Kahukura 27 Marist St Michaels 25, Ngongotaha 41 Reporoa 8.