Mount Maunganui won the battle of the Tauranga Harbour Bridge, against Tauranga Sports in the Seeka KI Western BOP Championship game, played at Blake Park on Saturday.
The traditional local competition rivalry was fought out before the Baywide premier clash between the two Western Bay clubs. The 18-15 victory by Mount Maunganui reversed the result the first time that the two sides met this season, where Tauranga Sports triumphed.
With the season scoreline at a win apiece, the likelihood is that the season bragging rights will be on the line in the Western BOP Championship play-offs in July.
On Matakana Island Arataki put the Western Bay challenge prize of the Hardy Rosebowl on the line against the home side. Arataki scrambled home to win 13-12.
Judea laid down the gauntlet to the other Western Bay contenders with a dominant performance at Maharaia Winiata Park. The home side posted 65 unanswered points against Rangataua, to move into contention for a Baywide play-offs berth.
The main attraction at Blake Park saw Tauranga Sports retain the Jordan Cup (WBOPRFS premier challenge trophy) in their Baywide match with Mount Maunganui. In a game that was described as an outstanding example of structured rugby, the game was up for grabs at the halfway stage with Tauranga Sports holding a 15-5 advantage, before they went on to a 28-13 victory.
Meanwhile, Te Puna posted their second successive win, when they defeated Te Puke Sports 33-17. Greerton Marist defeated Rangiuru 31-21 with Eastern Districts winning a cliff hanger against Katikati 16-14 at the Paengaroa Domain.
Seeka KI Western BOP Results 15 June
Merv Scholes Cup: Mount Maunganui 18 Tauranga Sports 15, Arataki 13 Matakana Island 12, Judea 65 Rangataua 0.
Phelan Cup: Te Puna 33 Te Puke Sports 17, Greerton Marist 31 Rangiuru 21, Eastern Districts 16 Katikati 14.
WBOPRFS Challenge Trophy Games 15 June 2013 (holder in italics)
WBOPRFS Premier (Jordan Cup) Tauranga Sports 28 Mount Maunganui 13.
Seeka KI Western BOP Competition (Hardy Rosebowl) Arataki 13 Matakana Island 12.
