Rugby: Finals footy on the horizon

Mark Bennett's Hora Hora will be looking to jump back into the top four of the Bayleys Premier competition. Photo/Michael Cunningham

The race for third and fourth is on full throttle as the Bayleys Premier competition nears the end of the round robin.

With Old Boys Marist and Mid Northern both guaranteed semifinals and, in OBM's case, home advantage, five sides are trying to fit into two places.

At the moment Waipu and Wellsford hold those spots but with four rounds to go, no one is safe.

Waipu take on Mid Northern as they try to hold on to third spot.

Mid Northern have been in sublime form all season long and look as dangerous as they've ever been.

Waipu meanwhile have recovered from their mid-season blues to go six weeks without a loss (five wins and a draw to Otamatea).

Wellsford hold fourth place due to points differential over Hora Hora. They picked up a mandatory five points after Otamatea defaulted today'smatch.

Meanwhile there are two crunch games which will have major ramifications in the vital stages of the season.

Kamo are taking on Hora Hora at home, while Western Sharks travel north to face Hikurangi.

The four sides are only separated by six points in the logjam that is the middle of the ladder.

Kamo will be hoping to move within touching distance of the top four with a strong win, while Hora Hora can leap back into the top four with a good showing.

Kamo are coming into the match after an inspired 14-try performance against Otamatea, while Hora Hora were too good in the second stanza against Hikurangi.

The Sharks haven't been in the best form over recent weeks, losing three of their last four. But with the personnel they have at their disposal when fit, they can't be counted out.

Meanwhile, Hikurangi will want to build on their first half from last week.

The last match of the round pits competition front runners OBM against bottom of the rung Mid Western.

OBM will be looking to bounce back from their upset loss to Wellsford last week, while Mid Western will want to improve on the 64-21 result from last time the two sides lined up against each other.

In the Bayleys Reserve competition, the battle for positioning in the top four makes for top viewing.

While both Hora Hora and Western Sharks both still are outside chances of making the four, the battle inside the top four is the one that rages on.

Kamo hold a four-point lead over Mid Northern, however Mid Northern have one game in hand.

OBM sit just two points off Mid Northern while Waipu are a further three back.

Waipu and Mid Northern's clash could open the door for Hora Hora and Sharks to get back within touching distance.

OBM, on the other hand, can get a bit closer to a home final with a win over Mid Western.

Kamo face off with Hora Hora in what is essentially a must-win for both teams.

All premier games kick off at 2:15pm after the reserve matches, which start at 12:30pm.