The stage is set for the Toi Ohomai Baywide Premier Women's Club Final this Sunday as Waikite host Rangataua for a chance to be crowned champions. 

Because their only loss was to top placed Rangiuru, they had to settle for second place. 

Their semi-final matchup was a nail-biting affair against the defending champions Mount Maunganui with the Rotorua club squeezing out a 34-33 win by the barest of margins. 

They now make their first finals appearance since 2017 with the chance to win their 4th Baywide Women's title. 

"It is an honour and a privilege for our humble club and community to have the grand final at our Waikite club in ‘Te Poho o Te Koutu’ Bellevue Road, Koutu," says Waikite Head Coach Richie Francis. 

"The whole community will turn out from our Koeke down to all our Mokopuna. Our Tai Mitchell Rotorua Gold Under 13 girls team are the curtain-raiser vs Rangitaiki at 11:45am, so it will be a great day for them and both Maori clubs and Iwi involved." 

The Waikite women's rugby story of the past few years is inspiring. After years of dominance in the early to mid-2010s, Waikite became absent from the women's game for three long years. 

Francis expressed the need to acknowledge sisters Tina and Eliza Stephens who were the trailblazers for re-inspiring women's rugby in the club.  

"Both sisters were recognised for their commitment to the women's game by the Waikite club when they were presented with their blazers during our 2020 Prize giving," says Francis. 

"This was a first and the start of Waikite re-entering in the women's competition in 2021. 

Rangataua will still be pinching themselves after their incredible 25-22 upset win vs the top-seeded Rangiuru last weekend.  

Rangataua's last trip to the big dance was in 2020 when they lost the final to Rangiuru. A fitting semi-final result as the Maungatapu side played to their exciting potential to get a big win back over the top seed.  

"This is a huge achievement for the team and the club. We have a proud history that has been upheld for nearly 115 years since it was established by our tupuna of Te Tahuna o Rangataua. It continues today with our whānau, friends and wider community," says Rangataua Head Coach Scott Kahle. 

Battling with lots of injury setbacks and challenges on and off the field, 

Rangataua has shown grit and determination this season, a never-say-die attitude that sees them with the opportunity to win their first title since 2018. 

"We are lucky we have a committed group of women with a great mix of young talent and veteran experience," says Kahle. 

The defining moment for Rangataua this year came courtesy of their impressive 27-12 round-robin win vs Mount Maunganui back in April. Kahle says it was during this moment the side confirmed their self-belief in their ability and brand of rugby after pulling off a big win against the reigning champs. 

Kahle speaks for the entire Rangataua community when he says they are behind their women this Sunday and will be supporting their side in full force.  

The Toi Ohomai Baywide Premier Women's Club Final kicks off Sunday, 3 July, with the livestream starting at 12.45 pm and kick off at 1.00pm.  You can watch the livestream on the Bay of Plenty Rugby Facebook page thanks to Local Gecko Productions and Zespri, sponsors of the livestream.  

Match Officials
Referree: Amon Rimene 
Assistant Referees: Neco Blank & Braydin Southall 
Sideline Manager: John Kilkelly   

Waikite Teamlist
1. Sailah-Jayee Morris-Viti 
2. Delwyn Fraser (C) 
3. Dolly Vercoe-Roberts 
4. Rohakino Niupalau 
5. AniMei Skudder 
6. He'lena Dou'ble 
7. Vanea S Robati 
8. Atareta Doctor 
9. Phoenix Tumanako 
10. Eliza Stephens 
11. Jag Stephens 
12. Kimoana Niupalau 
13. Kataraina Rauwhero-Stainton 
14. Brooke Simpkins 
15. Hayley Church 

16. Courtney Sullivan 
17. Puriti-Faith Biel 
18. Sharnz Waretini 
19. Alissha Arahanga 
20. Lexi Crengle 
21. Kayanne Wilson 
22. Mya Batt-Brown   

Coach: Richard Francis 
Assistant Coaches: Aneta Mihinui & Janina Khan 
Manager: Tina Stephens 
Sponsored by VR Group Hotels & Resorts 

Rangataua Teamlist
1. Sereana Naqarase
 2. Te Ra Keno 
3. Jamaya Maruariki (Co-C) 
4. Harmony Yates 
5. Grace Kahle 
6. Ruby Tawa 
7. Les Elder 
8. Kiri-Lee Delamere-Ririnui 
9. Sheniqua Taula 
10. Hope Garner 
11. Tania Raharuhi 
12. Azalleyah Maaka 
13. Liv Richardson 
14. Kiana Rae 
15. Kiki Tahere (Co-C) 

16. Sierra Teipo 
17. Jera Flexman 
18. Ani Elder  
19. Pia Tapsell  
20. Kaia Teipo 
21. Te Rina Leubert 
22. Zipporah Taurima   

Coach: Scott Kahle 
Managers: Janelle Storer & Natasha Kahle 
Physio: Kimberley Pilbrow (KP Physiotherapy) 
Hydration Manager: Alex Jessop 
Sponsored by Farmlands Tauriko, Kaitimako N Block Trust, Powered by Prevention, Seeka 

Article added: Friday 01 July 2022