Baywide schools comp heating up to semis

IN FORM: Tauranga Boys' fullback Taine Craig-Ranga will have a key role against Hamilton Boys' tomorrow. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

Hamilton Boys' High School First XV will be a stern test for Tauranga Boys' College in a key Super 8 clash at Nicholson Field tomorrow.

The match will be screened live on SKY TV's Rugby channel (replay Tuesday 5pm SKY Sport 1) and the odds are in Hamilton's favour.

But Tauranga have done well so far this season to hold third place on the table behind Hamilton and unstoppable Hastings Boys'.

Due to the television coverage the game kicks off at 2.30pm rather than the usual 12pm.

Meanwhile with only three weeks of the Bethlehem Coachlines Championship to play teams are on the home stretch in the race for a semifinals spot.

John Paul College were gifted five points when Opotiki College defaulted while Bethlehem College went down 15-8 in a game which has made their top-four hopes even harder. Bethlehem's Te Whare Kura o Mauao and Western Heights High School had predictable wins and remain at the top of the table.

With overseas tours and holidays looming, Te Whare Kura o Mauao take on Rotorua Boys' High School Second XV in a mid-week fixture. After a disappointing win over Bethlehem College, Rotorua will need to lift their performance to beat the 2016 champions.

Western Heights High School will take on Aquinas College for the Te Kani Shield also in a mid-week fixture. In the Eastern Bay, Trident High School travel over the hill to take on the Opotiki College youngsters.

Bethlehem College have a tough challenge in a must-win game when they take on John Paul College. A win by Bethlehem keeps their semifinal aspirations alive.

In Division Two Otumoetai College host Taupo Nui a Tia who remain at the top of the table while Otumoetai College are looking for a home semi with a win.

Tauhara College will also need a win against Whakatane High School to secure a top-four spot before they leave for their tour of South Africa.

Te Puke High School remain on a roll and with some outstanding performances by players like Pena Taumata and Jack Hollinshead they should prove too strong for the Rotorua Boys Third XV. Papamoa College host Tauranga Boys' College Third XV and this should prove to be an equal and close contest.

Mt Maunganui College host Reporoa/John Paul College in a key Division Three game.

Bethlehem Coachlines Baywide Secondary Schools Draw
Saturday 12pm unless indicated, home team first.

Division 1:
Bethlehem College v John Paul College
Western Heights High School v Aquinas College
Rotorua Boys' High School II v TWKO Mauao (Wednesday, time tbc)
Opotiki College v Trident High School

Division 2:
Otumoetai College v Taupo Nui a Tia
Whakatane High School v Tauhara College
Papamoa College v Tauranga Boys' College III
Te Puke High School v Rotorua Boys' High School III

Division 3:
Reporoa/John Paul College v Mt Maunganui College
Tarawera College v Rotorua Lakes High School
Rotorua Boys' High School U15A - Bye