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Home / Northern Advocate

Rugby: Kamo, OBM clash a possible finals preview

Andrew Johnsen
Sports editor·Northern Advocate·
15 Jun, 2018 06:54 PM3 mins to read
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Kerikeri's Levi Clark has stood out for his side during the Bayleys Premier competition. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Kerikeri's Levi Clark has stood out for his side during the Bayleys Premier competition. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Four weeks separates the Bayleys Premier competition from crunch time and the Kamo-Old Boys Marist clash could give an early snapshot of what the final will look like.

Kamo have been rampant throughout 2018 but left the field winless for the first time this season after an enthralling 23-23 draw with Wellsford.

Meanwhile OBM were a try away from bringing up a century of points as they dismantled Otamatea 95-10.

The results placed them in the top two after 14 rounds of play, though Kamo's spot at the top is far more secure.

With 66 points racked up, Kamo just need a win to confirm the top spot for the year.

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OBM however are in the midst of a jostling of positions between themselves, Hora Hora and Waipu.

Currently OBM (52), Hora Hora (48) and Waipu (46) are in a tight battle for second spot and this week shapes as Waipu's opportunity to further close the gap.

They're taking on Western Sharks, who sit two points outside the promotion/relegation zone. While no easy beats, Waipu should fancy their chances for another five points.

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Hora Hora meanwhile have Mid Northern, who have had a middling season after making the last two finals.

Their ability to grab bonus points has helped their cause but nine losses for the Hukerenui-based team have made the gap between them and the top four almost unassailable.

Hora Hora have stuttered of late after impressing in the early stages so will be keen to get a convincing win heading into the final stages of regular season play.

The wild card in the competition is Kerikeri.

Kerikeri currently sit 10 points outside the top four in an unprecedented run, picking up six victories across the season.

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They're an outside shot but shouldn't be counted out with a run home featuring games against Wellsford, Mid Northern and Sharks.

Their final round match with OBM could be the most important game of the season, though results in the lead up will determine that.

Rain threatens to turn up around kick off time which could impact the free-flowing attacking nature of the competition but should provide some stern and enthralling defensive battles.

Meanwhile Kamo look increasingly likely to finish on top of both the Premier and Premier Reserve tables.

Kamo top the Reserve ladder on 63 points, 14 clear of OBM. Again, their clash this weekend could determine whether or not they'll be caught by the end of the year.

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As well as closing the gap on Kamo, OBM would like to put some breathing room between themselves and Mid Northern.

Mid Northern have impressed all season with their ability to gain the extra points regardless of the end result, compiling 15 in 14 outings.

Kerikeri currently round out the top four, though it is by the slimmest of margins over Wellsford.

Both teams have the same amount of wins (seven), losses (also seven), bonus points (13), points scored (421), and competition points (41).

What has Kerikeri slightly above is letting in four less points across the season, giving them an incremental advantage over Wellsford.

Their match will be the one to watch and will make one team's path to the finals a lot tougher.

Otamatea (31) and Hora Hora (30) both still have a outside shot to sneak into the top four but will need a strong run for the rest of the season as well as results going their way.

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