Rugby: Rangiuru lock in top spot after win against Arataki

Greerton Marist development player Blair Tristram takes on the Rangataua defence. Photo / Ron Pearson

Rangiuru cemented their place at the top of the Baywide Division One standings when they won the Western Bay derby against Arataki at Grenada Park on Saturday.

In a match where both teams took few backward steps, the game went down to the wire before Rangiuru emerged with a hard fought 13-10 victory. The result reversed Arataki's 15-8 win in the Western Bay of Plenty competition in April.

Katikati went on the attack at home at Moore Park to steamroll Eastern Bay visitors Galatea 66-5 to move into third place in the standings. They face a stern challenge next weekend against Eastern Bay number one Te Teko. Judea were dealt a blow to their top-four aspirations after being beaten 41-3 at home by Poroporo.

At the halfway stage of the Baywide Division One title race, Rangiuru lead the way with Katikati also in the top four, while Arataki lurk just one point adrift in fifth position.

Mount Maunganui have been the big movers in the Baywide Development competition in recent weeks. On Saturday, they moved to within four points of the joint competition leaders with a 41-0 win over Whakarewarewa at Blake Park.

Doug Law grabbed three tries while Mount No6 Tim Holdezos had an outstanding game.

Another to shine for the winners was Ezra Thomsen who was awarded his side's player of the day prize.

Tauranga Sports, Te Puke Sports and Greerton Marist, who sit at the top of the standings, all banked bonus point wins on Saturday. Greerton Marist beat fellow Western Bay side Rangatua 48-5, Te Puke Sports got past Waikite 47-7, while Tauranga Sports defeated Paroa 33-0. Te Puna returned home victorious from Opotiki with a 26-24 win.