Rangiuru have leapt to the lead in the Bayfair Baywide Division One title race and are the only unbeaten side after the opening three rounds of the competition.

Photo: file.

On Saturday, they defeated Eastern Bay contenders Poroporo 51-13 after leading 25-3 at the half way stage of the encounter at Centennial Park in Te Puke.

Team Manager Mark Basham says the Te Puke based side put together a much improved performance after buying into coach Hika Reid's game plan. Carlos Basham put together an impressive display in the backline and was awarded the Rangiuru player of the day prize.

Katikati caused a major upset when they beat Arataki 27-22 at Moore Park in Katikati. The Katikati victory reversed the Western Bay competition result where Arataki ran over Katikati 42-8.

Judea, which earned promotion to Division One after annexing the Baywide Division Two title last season, saw their title aspirations receive a minor setback in Rotorua. Former premier contenders Kahukura, which are coached by Bay of Plenty rugby legend Ron Preston, proved too strong in the Sulphur City posting a 39-13 victory.

The lopsided victories in the Baywide Development competition continued on Saturday, when four Western Bay side ran over their opponents. The biggest win was posted by Tauranga Sports, which overwhelmed Te Puna 82-5 after leading 43 nil at the break. Mount Maunganui second fifteen returned home from the Eastern Bay with a 51-5 win on their team sheet.

Te Puke Sports posted 75 unanswered points against Rotoiti at Emery Park, while Greerton Marist defeated Whakarewarewa 45-12. Rangataua grabbed their first win of the season when they beat Waikite 21-5 in the early game at Waikite headquarters.

Western Bay of Plenty rugby results, May 16:

Bayfair Baywide Division One: Rangiuru 51 Poroporo 13, Kahukura 39 Judea 13, Katikati 27 Arataki 22.

Points Table (Provisional) Rangiuru 14, Te Teko 11, Arataki 10, Marist St Michaels 10, Kahukura 10, Judea 9, Katikati 9, Ruatoki 6, Poroporo 5, Ngongotaha 4, Reporoa 0, Galatea 0.

Baywide Development: Rangataua 21 Waikite 5, Greerton Marist 45 Whakarewarewa 12, Tauranga Sports 82 Te Puna 5, Te Puke Sports 75 Rotoiti 0, Mount Maunganui 51 Opotiki 5.

Points Table (Provisional) Tauranga Sports 15, Greerton Marist 15, Te Puke Sports 14, Mount Maunganui 11, Whakarewarewa 10, Whakatane Marist 9, Te Puna 5, Waikite 4, Rangataua 4, Paroa 0, Rotoiti 0, Opotiki 0.