Rugby: Greerton's hopes swamped

Mount Maunganui halfback Adam McGarvey clears from a scrum against Te Puna last Saturday. Photo / Andrew Warner

There is never a good time for the Waimapu Stream to burst its banks, but this week's floods could not have come at a worse time for Greerton Marist.

The improving side lie just three points off the fourth play-off spot and were looking forward to the chance to knock over leaders Mount Maunganui at their home patch at Greerton Park.

Greerton - and all club rugby followers - know that the Mounties are vulnerable away from their Blake Park fortress, but the torrential rain on Wednesday caused large scale flooding across Greerton Park and surrounding industrial areas.

So over the bridge the Greerton boys will go Saturday.

They will be hoping to get something out of the match with fourth-placed Tauranga Sports facing a difficult away trip to Whakarewarewa.

The Steamers trial on Wednesday night will have caused serious fatigue to all the players concerned, which may play a part in Saturday's round of games.

Mount Maunganui coach Rodney Voullaire is well aware of Greerton's threat.

"Greerton are the most under-rated team in the comp and they have proven this, time and time again this year," he says. "They work well around their rep players, and we will be expecting a hard-fought match. Our boys are working harder than ever with the 10 we [had] in the Bay of Plenty trial on Wednesday and the game Saturday.

"We always look forward to the challenge against Greerton. It is going to be a hard fought structured game of chess with coach Kane [Parker] in the head seat. It's going to be a big game, this one."

Greerton Marist's head coach Parker has backed Mount Maunganui all season as the team to beat.

Bayfair Baywide draw
Saturday (Development kick-off 1pm, Premier kick-off 2.45pm):

Mount Maunganui vs Greerton Marist at Blake Park.
Whakarewarewa vs Tauranga at Puarenga Park.
Rotoiti vs Opotiki at Emery Park.Te Puke vs Te Puna at Murray Salt Stadium

Rangiuru vs Rangataua at Centennial Park.

Premier points: Mt Maunganui 50, Te Puke 48, Whakarewarewa 43, Tauranga 40, Greerton Marist 37, Rotoiti 30, Rangataua 23, Te Puna 21, Opotiki 21, Rangiuru 10.