Rugby: Te Puke get hold of cup

The Western BOP Colts challenge trophy, the Oliver Cup, changed hands for the third successive time this season, when Te Puke Sports defeated Tauranga Sports in the curtain-raiser at the Tauranga Domain on Saturday.

In what was described as one of the best colts games played this season, both sides showed a willingness to play open, running rugby.

The home side scored first with a penalty goal, before Te Puke replied with a converted try and a penalty to lead 10-3 at the break. Tauranga Sports scored a converted try in the second spell, with Te Puke replying with a touchdown and a penalty goal to post an 18-10 victory.

Greerton Marist's defeat of defending Seeka KI Western BOP Colts titleholders Mount Maunganui 26-20, will ensure that the title race goes down to the last round next weekend. While the Mount sat in the box seat entering the penultimate round with three straight wins, they will sit on the sideline next Saturday courtesy of the bye, and hope that results go their way to give them back-to-back Western Bay titles.

Te Puna came from down the standings to give Arataki their first defeat of the competition. The home side dug deep to grind out a hard fought 17-10 win, to post their second victory.

The Hardy Rosebowl will remain in the Tauranga Sports trophy cabinet for at least another week, after the Tauranga 2nd XV repelled a spirited challenge from Te Puke Sports at the Tauranga Domain. The 22-14 Tauranga Sports victory reflected how the visitors were in the match all the way to the wire.

Mount Maunganui ran away from Greerton Marist 86-17 in an early game at Greerton Park, Rangataua continued their march up the standings, beating Eastern Districts 52-29, while Judea grabbed their third successive win when they got past Katikati 36-10 at Judea.

Western BOP Senior results

Mount Maunganui 86 Greerton Marist 17, Rangataua 52 Eastern Districts 29, Tauranga Sports 22 Te Puke Sports 14, Judea 36 Katikati 10, Te Puna 17 Arataki 10, Matakana Island won by default.

Western BOP Colts results

Te Puke Sports 18 Tauranga Sports 10, Greerton Marist 26 Mount Maunganui 20.