Ruatoria City are bracing themselves for a visit by Tokararangi to Whakarua Park.
Tokomaru Bay United have the bye.
Hikurangi are determined to go one better than last weekend’s 12-all draw with TVC.
The Maunga have sat outside the winners’ circle since a 68-12 romp against Tokomaru Bay on April 6.
With regular captain and hooker Ngarimu Parata unavailable due to prior commitments, Hikurangi players have every possible motivation.
That said, veteran Hicks Bay halfback Tyrone Delamere is always dangerous as he proved for the umpteenth time a fortnight ago in scoring the first try of a 36-34 win over Uawa.
Hicks Bay play good rugby under the radar.
The likes of co-captain and fullback Sean Murtagh have great flair and that free spirit could be on show at Cape Runaway tomorrow.
To be at home on the Cape will boost TVC, who rallied there against Hikurangi in week 5 and beat Tokararangi 47-15 on the opening day.
Ruatoria City captain Tim Barbarich knows Tokararangi will be doubly keen to perform well at home.
This is a game both teams can win to double their victory tally for the season but they need players to step up.
“There are key forwards whom I’d like to see have big games,” said Barbarich.
“Codey Ellis doesn’t get many mentions but he is vital in our pack.
“He can play hooker, lock, in the loose forwards . . . even on the wing; he gets around.
“I’d like to see Codey have a big game.”
The referees tomorrow are Jimmy Green (Hicks Bay v Hikurangi), Troy Para (TVC v Uawa) and Victor Herbert (Ruatoria City v Tokararangi).
Hicks Bay lead the points standings on 20 points, Uawa and TVC are on 17, Hikurangi 12, Ruatoria City 6, Tokararangi 5 and Tokomaru Bay United 1.
