Rotorua club Whakarewarewa is the winner of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Sevens tournament after beating Western Bays Hangarau (Bethlehem) 21-15 in the final.

Hangarau, which is based in nearby Bethlehem, and has a close affinity with the Te Puna Rugby Club, caused the upset of the tournament played at the weekend in the semifinals.

Facing tournament favourites Rotoiti, the Western Bay team made the final stanza after despatching their Rotorua rivals 12-5.

Whakarewarewa made the championship decider when they overcame the Fijian flare of Marist St Michaels, which surprised with their impressive showing in pool play.

The Plate competition was won by Rangiuru, which posted a solid 37-5 victory over Mount Maunganui.

Malaysian visitors Sabah State, which have been training in the Western Bay of Plenty for the previous three weeks, saw their number one team reach the under-14 final.

While the Malaysian number one side was defeated 30-7 by a slick St Kentigern College side in the under-14 championship, the two Sabah State sides showed the benefit of three weeks training in the Western Bay of Plenty.

In pool play, the Malaysian number one team defeated hosts Te Puna 12-5 before overpowering Tauranga Sports 38-12.

BOPRU Sevens Results

Senior

Championship Final: Whakarewarewa 21 Hangarau 15

Plate Final: Rangiuru 37 Mount Maunganui 5

Championship semifinals: Hangarau 12 Rotoiti 5; Whakarewarewa defeated Marist St Michaels

Under-14

Championship Final: St Kentigern College 30 Sabah State No1 (Malaysia) 7

Final Placings: 3rd Te Puna 4th Te Puke 5th Sabah State No2 6th Tauranga Sports