The Western Bay Challenge Interclub continued to be hotly contested on Saturday in most divisions.
In Men's A section 1 Omanu Chiefs had three wins against Tauranga Kauri to establish a 3.5-win buffer in the race to the finals, with South Marlins in second place. With one fixture to go before finals day it is possible there could be a change as the sides meet each other and a clean sweep could see South in the finals.
In section 2 Tauranga Totara and Matua Blaze set the pace in their respective pools in the round robin. Totara prevailed over Omokoroa Kiwis in the top-four playoff and Blaze squeezed past Mount Surfies with a two-point advantage on combined differential. The two front runners will face off for the right to contest the final.
The two South teams dominate the Women's A division and came through with shared honours. Both are even on accumulated points so the winner will be decided on the results of the next two fixtures.
The encounter between Omanu Roses and Matua Gold was a tight tussle with Roses gaining the bonus points on the better accumulated differential secured through a very good result from the fours game.
Men's B section 1 is evenly contested throughout the field. Omanu Knights had a good day with three wins and a draw against South Sharks. Mount Sharks had three wins against Tauranga Rimu. Along with Matua Wasps these two teams hold an advantage over the remainder but with the spread of points being close all have a chance to progress to the finals.
In Section 2, Te Puke Bruno have been the standout performer in pool 1 whilst Katikati Bobcats held a narrow advantage in closer competition in pool 2. Bruno had a clean sweep over Mount Orcas on Saturday and Bobcats a narrow three-point win over Omanu Stags to move a step closer to being the section champion to contest the division title on finals day.
At the conclusion of round robin competition Katicats and Omanu Azaleas finished top two pool 1 as did South Kingfishers and Mount Diamond in pool 2 of Women's B division.
These sides started the top four round robin on Saturday with Kingfishers having three wins over the Azaleas and a 24-25 loss in the singles. Katicats had two wins and a draw against Diamond.
In other games Gate Pa Vixens secured the bonus points against Matua Emeralds whilst Matua Sapphires had three wins against Tauranga Huia.
In Women's C, Te Puke Blossoms have a handy advantage in section 1 and Omanu Daisy's a narrow differential lead in Section 2. Men's C top four is contested by Matua Titans, Te Puke Green, Tauranga Rata and Omokoroa Flyers.
Tauranga South have an advantage in the Cunningham Challenge Trophy for the best club performance.