League: Eels have to stake claim for semifinal

With the top two teams in the Waicoa Bay premier league getting a week off, it falls to the likes of Otumoetai Eels and Pikiao Warriors to start building towards securing semifinal spots.

The Eels will host the Pacific Sharks at Mitchell Park tomorrow, with the home side the favourites after a tight 39-36 win over Pikiao last week.

Pacific will be equally fired up for the win after losing to Taniwharau 22-20 in their last outing.

Thanks to a top two finish in the Black Pool, Taniwharau host the Warriors at Davies Park.

It has been a tough couple of weeks for the boys from Mourea.

They were given a lesson by Ngaruawahia two weeks ago before their narrow loss to the Eels last week and Selwyn Rikiti's side are now desperate to register a win.

And they will need all the help they can get from their experienced players like BJ Raroa, Ivor Thomas and captain Jason Kameta.

A loss here and it could be the start of an early exit for the only Rotorua team in the competition.

Tauranga Whalers will take a trip to Taupo tomorrow to take on a well rested Phoenix side at Hickling Park.

The Whalers were another team given a lesson by Ngaruawahia, who beat the boys from Tauranga 42-12.

In the other match in the round, Turangawaewae should be too strong for Hukanui at Paterson Park.

All four games are scheduled to kick off at 2.30pm.

Waicoa Bay Premier Club Competition

(2.30pm) Taniwharau v Pikiao, Davies Park; Otumoetai v Pacific, Mitchell Park; Taupo v Tauranga , Hickling Park; Turangawaewae v Hukanui, Paterson Park; Ngaruawahia and Hamilton City Tigers - bye.