Bowls: Matua Blaze tussle for trophy

At the mid-point of the round-robin competition the sections are all producing a relatively tight spread, indicating that the road to the finals will be a reasonable expectation for two or three sides.

In the Women's A and B divisions that have only one section, the result of the round robin will determine this year's winner.

With the aggregate points to date, Matua Blaze hold a distinct advantage in Men's A Section 1 on 24 points, from Tauranga South Marlins on 16. However, the last two fixtures for Blaze will be with Marlins and another close contender, Tauranga Black, so the gap could be breached by one of these sides.

In the Men's A Section 2, South Snappers with 20 have a slight advantage over Mount Sandpipers and Te Puke Gold on 18. Gold and Snappers meet in the next fixture and both sides can secure a final position.

In The Men's B division, South Orcas with 22 have a handy advantage over South Sharks and Mount Sharks on 18, with Te Puke trailing at 16. Over the next two fixtures, Orcas meet Bruno and the two Sharks have a scrap. Orcas would be the favourites to contest the final.

In Section 2, Katikati Muraltoms, on 20, hold a slender lead from Omanu Knights on 19, Omokoroa Orchards, 17 and South Morays, 15. Over the next two fixtures Muraltoms meet the Knights and Orchards meet Morays. Any of these sides could appear in the final.

Men's C Section 1 has Mount Snappers and Katikati Tomcats with 22 points, South Dolphins 21 and Matua Sting 18. In Section 2 Omanu Stags have a clear advantage on 29 points and appear certain to be in the final. In Section 3 Tauranga Rimu are on 23 and Omanu Warriors on 22, with Katikati Muralkats on 18.

In Women's A, South Tuis, 23, hold a slight advantage over Matua Gold, 21, with Omanu Roses on 15. Tuis meet both these sides in the next two fixtures so will be tested to maintain their advantage. In Women's B, Omanu Lilies are on 22, Matua Purple on 19 and Tauranga Tigers on 16. Lilies meet both the trailing sides in the next two fixtures so the path to the trophy is finely balanced. In Women's C Section 1, Omokoroa Ferns on 23 lead from Omanu Camellias, 17. In Section 2, Tauranga Tuis, 22, lead Omanu Tulips, 16. Having played their closest rivals, both leading sides are favourites for a final slot.

-Cunningham Challenge Trophy points: Tauranga 255.0, Katikati 240.6, South 234.0, Omanu 207.3, Matua 173.0, Omokoroa 101.9, Mount 98.5.