Rugby: Arataki win decisively to keep bowl

The first round of the Seeka KI Western BOP Championship kicked off on Saturday with Arataki retaining the Hardy Rosebowl, won from Rangataua the previous weekend.

While last weekend's match-up was a 13-11 thriller, Arataki' 32-19 win was the most decisive win of the three Merv Scholes trophy encounters.

Arataki's win also gives them a head start for the Baywide Division Two playoffs, where Arataki, Judea and Matakana Island are chasing the two Western Bay berths in the Baywide elimination rounds in July.

Tauranga Sports, Mount Maunganui and Rangataua second teams also have their own battle within the Merv Scholes competition for the two places in the Baywide Senior Reserve playoffs.

First round titleholders Tauranga Sports just edged out Matakana Island, winning 20-15, while Mount Maunganui reversed their first round loss to Judea posting a 29-19 win.

Katikati, Te Puke Sports and Te Puna all started the Phelan Cup competition with wins. Katikati scored a 27-11 victory against Rangiuru, Te Puke Sports beat Eastern Districts 31-15, and Te Puna beat Greerton Marist 32-12.

Seeka KI Western BOP Senior results June 8

Merv Scholes Cup: Mount Maunganui 29 Judea 19, Tauranga Sports 20 Matakana Island 14, Arataki 32 Rangataua 19.

Phelan Cup: Te Puke Sports 31 Eastern Districts 15, Katikati 27 Rangiuru 11, Te Puna 32 Greerton Marist 12.