WBOP rugby: Bragging rights on the line

With just two sides qualifying to fight out the Seeka KI Western BoP Championship final on July 13, there is plenty of pressure on the contenders in round three of the Merv Scholes Cup, to be played on Saturday.

Not only are season bragging rights on the line at Grenada Park, where Arataki face near neighbours Mount Maunganui, but the WBOPRFS Challenge prize is at stake.

Motivation won't be an issue with the Mount Maunganui second team who have several reasons for wanting to post a victory against their archrivals.

Arataki will put the Hardy Rosebowl on the line, with revenge also driving the Mount side after they were beaten 10-8, the first time the two sides met earlier this season.

The Arataki-Mount clash will find a clear leader in the Merv Scholes Cup with both sides unbeaten after two rounds of the Seeka KI Western BoP Championship qualifying competition.

There is an equally vital clash at the Tauranga Domain, where Tauranga Sports and Judea square off.

With both teams having a win and a loss on their ledger card, the winner will take a big step towards a berth in the Western Bay final, where the Combined Cup is at stake.

In the third top six match-up, Rangataua and Matakana Island meet in the early game at Te Ariki Park.

Seeka KI Western BOP Senior Draw 22 June (All games 1pm unless specified)Merv Scholes CupTauranga Sports v Judea, Tauranga Domain; Arataki v Mount Maunganui, Grenada Park (2.45pm) Rangataua v Matakana Island, Te Ariki Park.

Points Table: Arataki 4, Mount Maunganui 4, Tauranga Sports 2, Judea 2, Matakana Island 0, Rangataua 0.

Phelan CupGreerton Marist v Te Puke Sports (2.45pm) Greerton Park; Eastern Districts v Rangiuru, Paengaroa Domain (2.45pm) Katikati v Te Puna, Moore Park.

Points Table: Te Puna 4, Katikati 2, Te Puke Sports 2, Eastern Districts 2, Greerton Marist 2, Rangiuru 0.

WBOPRFS Challenge Trophy Games 22 June (holder in italics)WBOPRFS Colts (Oliver Cup) Te Puke Sports v Greerton MaristSeeka KI Western BOP Comp (Hardy Rosebowl) Arataki v Mount Maunganui