Arataki Black laid down the challenge to the other Seeka KI Western BOP championship contenders when they defeated defending titleholder Matakana Island 44-26, on the Island, on the opening day of the rugby season at the weekend.

In what was described as an outstanding game of open running rugby, the visitors to the Island ran in six tries on their way to a surprise victory.

However, the Island team never gave up the battle and was still in the match until the closing minutes.

Judea, who finished last season with the Hardy Rosebowl, successfully defended the WBOPRFS Challenge Trophy, when they defeated Te Puna 26-nil at Maharaia Winiata Park.

Katikati marked its first team return to the Western Bay competition with a hard fought 15-8 win against Tauranga Sports at Moore Park

The four Te Puke region sides in the Western BOP championship had a mixed start to the new season.

Papamoa, which has Baywide aspirations, ran away from the Arataki Red winning 34-nil.

Eastern Districts, led Rangataua by eight points before ill-discipline cost them the game going down 17-8.

Te Puke Sports lost to Mount Maunganui 44-12 with Rangiuru being defeated 55-nil by Greerton Marist.

In other Western Bay of Plenty Rugby news, one of the two other Western Bay Sub-Union challenge trophies changed hands on Saturday.

In the curtain raiser at Blake Park, defending Colts titleholder Te Puke Sports was beaten by Mount Maunganui 31-10.

As well as laying down the gauntlet to the other age group contenders, Mount Maunganui relieved Te Puke of the Oliver Cup.

The main event at Blake Park resulted in Te Puke Sports Premiers retaining the Jordan Cup, when they won an entertaining match-up against Mount Maunganui 15-11.

Seeka KI Western BOP Senior Results March 24

Mount Maunganui 44 Te Puke Sports 12, Judea 26 Te Puna 0, Arataki Black 44 Matakana Island 26, Katikati 15 Tauranga Sports 8, Papamoa 34 Arataki Red 0, Greerton Marist 55 Rangiuru 0, Rangataua 17 Eastern Districts 8.