Rugby: Clubs set to let rip after time off

The Waipu forwards will strive to dominate in tomorrow's clash against Wellsford. Photo / Tania Whyte

Premier-grade rugby returns this weekend, with round nine of the Southern District Premiers and Reserves set to spur into action.

After a weekend off, many players will be refreshed and raring to go as the back half of the 2015 season heats up.

Wellsford remain the team to beat after their 25-25 draw versus Mid Northern in round nine.

Their unbeaten run was almost derailed as they travelled to Hukerenui to take on the strong Mid Northern outfit, however they did enough near the end of the match to keep their play-off hopes well alive.

Wellsford host Waipu tomorrow in what will be another tough match for the region's southernmost team.

Waipu sit fourth on the ladder and will be looking to make it three wins in a row after beating Otamatea, 37-15 in round seven and Kamo 46-17 in round eight.

In other round-nine matches, Mid Western host Otamatea at Maungakaramea Reserve in what could be one of the closer match-ups.

Mid Western have held on to their top-three perch for a good chunk of the season, however the fifth-placed Otamatea side will be looking to change that - especially after demolishing the Western Sharks 66-0 in round eight.

The Western Sharks host Hora Hora in Dargaville tomorrow and will look to shake off their upset loss to Otamatea.

The last time Hora Hora and the Western Sharks met, Hora Hora came away with the win in the dying stages of a heated encounter.

Hora Hora, the 2014 Southern Districts champions, sit eighth on the ladder after what has been a contrasting season to last year.

In other round nine matches, a developing Old Boys Marist team take on second-placed Mid Northern in Whangarei, while a battle of the lowest-ranked teams - Kamo and Hikurangi - will take place at Kamo Sports Park.