Rugby: Top-four clash pivotal in Bayleys Premier

Rukawai Waata's Otamatea will be looking to pick up another win in the latest round of the Bayleys Premier rugby competition. Photo/Tania Whyte

A tense battle between two top-four sides shapes as the highlight of this weekend's Bayleys Premier competition action.

Hikurangi take on Mid Northern at home in a match that could prove pivotal at the season's end.

Hikurangi will be desperate to bounce back from their 37-12 loss to Western Sharks last weekend which has them in danger of falling out of the top four.

Mid Northern, on the other hand, have been on a tear since dropping their opening game of the season. They've rattled off five consecutive wins to be within reaching distance of top spot.

Meanwhile, Hora Hora could inch their way into that top four with a victory over the impressive Western Sharks.

After a shaky start to 2017, Hora Hora have hit their straps but will face a stern test against Western Sharks, who have lost just once all season.

Western Sharks sit just four points off the unbeaten Old Boys Marist, who take on the sliding Waipu.

OBM have been irrepressible on attack this season and will be a tough assignment for the Waipu defence.

Waipu have slipped down the ladder after a top start to the competition.

They were unbeaten after three rounds but consecutive losses to Hikurangi, Western Sharks and Mid Northern has them set in the middle of the table.

The other two games give opportunities for the bottom half to catch up to the pack.
Wellsford are at home against Kamo while Mid Western take on Otamatea. The four sides have combined for just three wins in 2017.

Meanwhile Kamo continue their charge towards back-to-back Bayleys Premier Reserve finals when they face Wellsford.

Kamo are unbeaten so far and only an upset from Wellsford, who have only won once this season, will change that fact.

But a clash between Waipu and OBM will be one to watch. Waipu are undefeated in 2017 but OBM have been in good form over the recent weeks.

In the other matches, Mid Northern will look to cement their spot in the top four against Hikurangi, while Western Sharks look to break into their spot against Hora Hora.

The winless Otamatea and Mid Western will be tussling for a vital victory in the final match.