Rugby: Two top spots for semis sorted

Greerton Marist midfielder Caleb Hall in action at the Steamers trial on Wednesday night. Photo / Ben Fraser

The major emphasis in round eight of the Bayfair Baywide Premier competition tomorrow will be on the scramble to make the third and fourth places in the play-offs.

With four rounds to play, Tauranga Sports (35 points) and Te Puke Sports (32) look assured of hosting semifinals next month but there is a battle royal going on for the last two spots between Rotoiti (26), Mount Maunganui (25), Greerton Marist (21) and Whakarewarewa (20).

The local derby in Rotorua between Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa is the highlight of tomorrow's round, with the winner making a key move to one of those spots. Greerton Marist will need to beat Tauranga Sports at Tauranga Domain which no other team has come close to doing so this season. But Greerton have the talent in their backline to cut any opposition to shreds and an improving forward pack, so they will have as good a starter's chance as anyone.

With 50-plus players involved in an intense, physical Steamers trial on a freezing night in Rotorua on Wednesday, much will depend on how the players recover in time to be at their best again tomorrow. One player missing from action will be promising young Greerton Marist forward Luke Schuler who suffered what looked a serious ankle injury during the trial game.

In division one, Rangiuru lead with 29 points, ahead of Te Teko (26), Kahukura (25), Arataki (24), Katikati (21) and Poroporo (21). Arataki need to win against Poroporo at their home Grenada Park to keep their top four hopes alive.

Arataki coach Marty Bourke says the game is going to be another exciting challenge with Poroporo showing some good results recently.

"We are hopeful we can play some good attacking rugby and wanting to put a complete performance together coming towards the business end of the season," Bourke said.

"Key to being successful will be to put them under pressure and controlling the collision line."

Bayfair Baywide Premier/Development:
Tomorrow, Premier 2.45pm; Development 1pm: Mount Maunganui v Paroa at Blake Park; Opotiki v Waikite at Princess Street Reserve; Rotoiti v Whakarewarewa at Emery Park; Tauranga v Greerton Marist at Tauranga Domain; Te Puke Sports v Rangataua at Murray Salt Stadium; Te Puna v Whakatane Marist at Maramatanga Park.

Division 1:
Tomorrow, 2.45pm: Arataki v Poroporo at Arataki Park; Katikati v Kahukura at Moore Park; Marist St Michael's v Ruatoki at Marist Park; Ngongotaha v Judea at Ngongotaha Domain; Reporoa v Rangiuru at Reporoa; Te Teko v Galatea at Dunderdale Park.

Women's Premier:
Sunday, 1pm: Te Whanau Apanui v Arataki at Te Kaha; Waikite v Tokoroa at Bellvue Road; Ngongotaha v Tauranga Sports, Ngongotaha; Rotoiti v Waimana at Emery Park.