The cut-throat scenario of the Merv Scholes Cup, where just two teams contest the Seeka KI Western BOP Championship title next weekend, has set up a intriguing top-of-the-table clash at Grenada Park tomorrow between Arataki and Judea.
At stake is the prospect of Western Bay championship home ground advantage to the winner. Also on the line is the Merv Scholes Cup, awarded to the Western BOP top-six competition winners and the WBOPRFS Challenge trophy of the Hardy Rosebowl.
If Arataki win the encounter on the Mount Maunganui peninsula, they book a home final, take out the Merv Scholes trophy and retain the Hardy Rosebowl.
A Judea victory would put them on equal points with their opponents and they would grab the home final against Arataki at Maharaia Winiata Park, courtesy of a better points differential. They would also take home the Merv Scholes trophy and the Hardy Rosebowl.
If Judea falls at the last hurdle, it opens the way for Mount Maunganui to contest the final stanza against Arataki.