Greerton Marist have claimed their first Baywide Premier title in 53 years, defeating Te Puke Sports 37-17 in the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union premier final at Greerton Park on Saturday.

The victory delivered sweet revenge for a number of Greerton players who were part of the side beaten by Te Puke in last year’s premier decider, turning the tables in emphatic fashion in front of their home supporters.

While Greerton crossed for four tries to Te Puke’s three, the difference on the scoreboard came through the boot of sharp-shooter Junior Matautia. The influential first five kicked four conversions and three penalty goals to contribute 17 points in the 20-point triumph.

Matautia opened the scoring with an early penalty after just four minutes before Te Puke struck back two minutes later through winger Aiden Sprattley, who crossed for the opening try of the match.

Greerton responded strongly, with Jeriah Mua and Jayden Keelan both touching down to help the home side establish a 17-7 lead at halftime.

The home team tightened their grip on the contest in the second half. Tries to Taelyn Nukunuku and Lachy Dawe extended Greerton’s advantage, while Matautia continued to punish any indiscretions from the tee.

Te Puke refused to go away, with Robert Veale and Joshua Dowsing both crossing in the second spell, but the visitors were unable to close the gap as Greerton celebrated a memorable championship victory.

The emotions of the occasion were evident in reactions posted on the clubs’ social media pages after the final whistle.

“Hell yeah, tears are showing how much this means,” read one Greerton Marist post, while another declared the title was “53 years in the making, thoroughly deserved today”.

Te Puke Sports paid tribute to their opponents while reflecting on a season that featured significant rebuilding.

“Congratulations Greerton on a strong season. To Te Puke whānau, thank you for an amazing season. Twenty season debutants, four new coaches and management – one season to remember,” the club posted.

Elsewhere on Baywide finals day, Tauranga Sports successfully defended their Baywide Development title with a hard-fought 27-24 victory over Te Puna at the Tauranga Domain.

The lead changed hands several times during an entertaining contest. Tauranga opened the scoring in the third minute before Te Puna fought back to level the game. Tauranga held a slender 13-12 advantage at the break and, after surrendering the lead early in the second half, rallied strongly to edge home by three points.

Tauranga Sports completed a finals day double when they defeated Mount Maunganui 25-23 in the Colts/Under-85kg final at Blake Park.

Josh Vularika, Kyan Marcroft, Ryan Boyle and Oliver Francis scored tries for Tauranga Sports, while Mount captain Riley Moon crossed twice in a gallant effort for the runners-up.

In the Western Bay of Plenty Championship final at Moore Park, Rangataua scored four tries to defeat Katikati 24-14 and lift the Combined Cup.

The win added another chapter to the proud history of the club, which won the Baywide Premier title in 2016.

Finals results

Baywide Premier: Greerton Marist 37 (Jeriah Mua, Jayden Keelan, Taelyn Nukunuku, Lachy Dawe tries; Junior Matautia 4 con, 3 pen) beat Te Puke Sports 17 (Aiden Sprattley, Robert Veale, Joshua Dowsing tries; Max Miller con).

Baywide Development: Tauranga Sports 27 Te Puna 24.

Colts/Under-85kg: Tauranga Sports 25 Mount Maunganui 23.

WBOP Championship: Rangataua 24 Katikati 14.

-Content supplied by Tauranga Sports writer Barry Leabourn