Rugby: Real fight in middle ranks this week

With just two games before the top six emerge to contest the Seeka KI Western BOP Championship, there will be a real sense of urgency in the middle of the standings this Saturday.

While first round leader Tauranga Sports, along with Arataki, Rangataua and Mount Maunganui should progress without any concerns - Judea, Matakana Island, Rangiuru and Katikati, are all within striking distance to qualify for the Combined Cup in the second round of the local competition.

Judea and Matakana Island, who sit in fifth and sixth place, both face big challenges on the weekend. Judea travel to Te Ariki Park to square off against Rangataua, who have been one of the big improvers this season. Last weekend Rangataua flexed their muscles and provided Tauranga Sports with their first loss of the season and also relieved Tauranga of the Hardy Rosebowl (Western BOP Challenge Trophy).

Matakana Island visit the mainland to engage in the curtain-raiser at the Tauranga Domain, against a Tauranga Sports side eager to put last weekend's loss behind them. The Islanders won the Western BOP championship two seasons ago but have had mixed fortunes this season.

Rangiuru started the season with a bang, winning three games before going on a roller coaster ride, and now sit on the cusp of the top six.

Their opponents are Greerton Marist, who staged an amazing comeback from a 26-point deficit at the break, to defeat Matakana Island 45-41.

Katikati have battled along during the season, accumulating four victories on the way. A loss to Te Puna at Maramatanga Park would probably eliminate their top six aspirations.

The main attraction at the Tauranga Domain will also have the Western Bay prize of the Jordan Cup at stake. Holders Tauranga Sports will meet Greerton Marist, with the Tauranga side holding the challenge trophy since they took it from Greerton Marist, in their first Baywide Premier game of the season.

Western BOP Senior Points: Tauranga Sports 16, Arataki 14, Rangataua 12, Mount Maunganui 12, Judea 10, Matakana Island 10, Rangiuru 8, Katikati 8, Te Puna 6, Te Puke Sports 4, Greerton Marist 4, Eastern Districts 2.

WBOPRFS Challenge Trophy Games: WBOPRFS Premier (Jordan Cup) Tauranga Sports v Greerton Marist, Tauranga Domain; Western BOP Competition (Hardy Rosebowl) Rangataua v Judea, Te Ariki Park.