A top of the table clash in the Bartercard Baywide Premier rugby competition will take place in Rotorua today, when defending champions Tauranga Sports meet Whakarewarewa at Puarenga Park.
While Tauranga Sports have skipped 11 points clear, the Rotorua side will have no better opportunity to bridge the gap.
Plenty of motivation
will be provided for Tauranga Sports, by the memories of the first time that the two sides met this season. The 24-14 win to Whakarewarewa, was made even sweeter with victory taking place at Tauranga Domain.
Te Puke and Rangataua who share fourth equal on the points standings, will have plenty to play for at Murray Salt Stadium in Te Puke. There is always plenty at stake when the two sides meet with this weekend's encounter cementing the winner in outright fourth place.
Mount Maunganui will be wary of Te Puna when they meet after the Maramatanga Park-based team upset Whaka two weeks ago, while Whakatane Marist should give Rotoiti, who have slipped down the standings in recent weeks, a good run in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Opotiki and Waikite, face a crucial clash in Opotiki. Both sides sit just outside the top four, with the winner of the encounter staying in contention to play post section rugby.
A top of the table clash will take centre stage in Division One. Te Teko who have regained the competition lead, will face Ngongotaha who sit a solitary point in arrears of the Eastern Bay side, on the outskirts of the Sulphur City.
Greerton Marist will a good chance to cement their top four place when they travel to Te Puke to play Rangiuru, Reporoa at home could face a real challenge from the improving Ruatoki team, Marist St Michaels meet Paroa, with Kahukura at home to Katikati.
Te Puke Sports Colts who are the only Baywide team still with a season unbeaten record, should prove too strong for Marist St Michaels. The Te Puke side have their sight firmly fixed on back-to-back Baywide age group titles.
Greerton Marist host Tauranga Sports in a match that could go down to the wire, Te Puna and Mount Maunganui should also have a close contest, with Opotiki taking on the vastly improved Rangataua in Opotiki.
