Rugby: Battle of Bridge early bonus

Tauranga Sports winger Philip Togotogorua takes on Mount Maunganui defender Sam Gavigan in last year's Baywide final. Photo / File

Thanks to the vagaries of the draw, the highly anticipated rematch of last year's Baywide Premier final between champions Tauranga Sports and Mount Maunganui Sports comes early this season.

After just one round, in which both teams secured bonus point wins, the two local heavyweights will enact their own Battle of the Bridge at Blake Park tomorrow from 2.45pm.

Unlike the damp squib that the Auckland version has become with the decline of North Harbour, this Battle of the Bridge is highly competitive and volatile.

The teams will play for the first time for the newly minted Terry Hunter Trophy, donated by the loyal administrator with ties in both clubs.

It is a chance for the Mounties to make a major early-season impact.

They know this year's Tauranga Sports team does not have the mainstays of recent seasons. Some of the most influential players from last season in captain and No8 Carl Axtens, prop Kane Hames and first-five Paul Morris are all missing from tomorrow's match-day 22.

But the unsurpassed recent winning culture at the club and coaching philosophies of Mike Rogers means new players seamlessly move in to the jerseys and retain the standards. The way they defended the final 10 minutes against a rampant Rangataua last week was evidence of that.

Mount have gained the services of former NZ Colt and Auckland rep Teddy Stanaway, who played for the Chiefs Midlands MRI Development Team against the Blues on Wednesday.

Stanaway, 24, could well be the answer to the Steamers midfield issues. The consummate professional had a physical battle with rising star Elijah Nicholas at Rangiuru last week and his clash against Nic Evemy will be worth watching tomorrow.

Tauranga won all three games between the teams last year, although the margins were small and owed much to Morris's trusty boot.

"We're looking forward to another close battle and to measuring ourselves against Mount Sports," said Rogers, who is claiming the underdog status with his young team.

Mount coach Rodney Voullaire is one of the more positive characters in Bay rugby and he is confident his side can get over the line at their beloved Sir Gordon Tietjens Field.

"It was a great start to the season with the win against Rangiuru. Now Tauranga this weekend and boys are amped," Voullaire said.

"We will be concentrating on our team and individual jobs at hand. We're hoping for a classic from both teams. A fast, structured and ding-dong match."

Mount Sports is hosting a blood donors charity day at the ground.

Baywide draw
Development grade 1pm; Premier grade 2.45pm.
Mount Maunganui v Tauranga Sports, Blake Park.
Te Puna v Rangataua, Maramatanga Park.
Rangiuru v Rotoiti, Centennial Park.
Whakarewarewa v Greerton Marist, Puarenga Park.
Te Puke Sports v Opotiki, Murray Salt Stadium.