Rotoiti whanau spirit key to win | Rotorua Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Rotorua

The secret to a winning formula for Rotoiti Under 12 team is whanau says their coach Richie Francis.

In one of six finals of the Central Bay of Plenty JAB finals played at Westbrook Park at the weekend. Rotoiti, a team who have gone undefeated this season, demolished Marist St Michaels 65-0.

Francis said it was the "whanau" environment the team had that made all the difference this year.

"They are all close and have been together since they were in the under 5s. They are all related and most of them are from Rotoiti. That's how we approached it this year, keeping it like whanau."

Francis who has been their coach for the last six years said the team was very motivated.

"We were beaten in last year's final by Mamaku and we were really wanting to meet them again this year. But all credit to Marist they took them out last week in the semifinal."

It was a dominating performance from Rotoiti, based around hard running from their captain Matangireira Yates-Francis who scored five tries.

Matangireira proved too strong for Marist either running around players or straight over the top of them.

Francis who is Matangireira's father said it was a full team effort.

"We like to play 15 man rugby and I believe in letting every team member get a game, that includes our reserves who play a vital role in our team."

Although the season had come to an end Rotoiti were already planning for next year and hope to go to Australia next year for a tour.

Results: Rotoiti 65, Marist St Michaels 0; half-time 31-0.