Tauranga Sports have spoiled a major Te Puke milestone celebration, powering to a 41-27 win at Tauranga Domain in Western Bay Rugby action on Saturday.

Te Puke travelled to Tauranga Domain hoping to mark Matt Wallis’ 250th premier appearance with a victory, but were overrun by a second-half surge from the home side.

Wallis became just the second Te Puke Sports premier player to play 250 premier matches, following Pirates legend Rameka Poihipi, who achieved the feat in 2009.

Te Puke made a strong start, crossing after nine minutes to open the scoring, and remained in the contest at halftime. However, Tauranga Sports lifted the intensity after the break, running in seven tries to secure the 14-point win.

The match also marked a milestone for Tauranga Sports, with Paula Hopoi celebrating his 100th premier appearance. Hopoi began his time with the club in 2012 in the Colts side.

Mount Maunganui continued their season’s strong form with a convincing 36-14 victory over Te Puna at Blake Park. The Mount led 21-7 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second spell to secure the win, their only blemish this season remaining a narrow loss to Tauranga Sports.

Ōpōtiki, back in Baywide rugby after several years away, recorded their second win of the season, edging Whakarewarewa 24-21 in a tight contest.

In Development grade, Mount Maunganui and Te Puna played out a 35-35 draw after Te Puna came from 21 points down at halftime. Whakarewarewa defeated Ōpōtiki 60-29, while Tauranga Sports beat Te Puke Sports 38-20.

In other results, Mount Maunganui and Te Puke Sports drew 20-20 in Colts/U85kg action, while Taupō beat Greerton Marist 27-22. In the WBOPRS Championship, Pāpāmoa edged Eastern Districts 19-18 and Arataki defeated Judea 42-24.

Results – June 13:

BOPRU Premier: Mount Maunganui 36, Te Puna 14, Tauranga Sports 41, Te Puke Sports 27, Ōpōtiki 24, Whakarewarewa 21

BOPRU Development: Mount Maunganui 35, Te Puna 35, Whakarewarewa 60, Ōpōtiki 29, Tauranga Sports 38, Te Puke Sports 20

Colts/U85kg: Mount Maunganui 20, Te Puke Sports 20, Taupō 27, Greerton Marist 22

WBOPRS Championship: Pāpāmoa 19, Eastern Districts 18, Arataki 42, Judea 24

– Content supplied by Tauranga sports writer Barry Leabourn