Rugby: Wellsford unbeaten in premiers

Western Sharks' Peter "Harold" Bond secures possession during his side's 19-13 loss to Hora Hora in the fifth round. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Competition is heating up within the Bayleys Southern Districts Premiers and Premier Reserves grades.

After six rounds of competition in the premiers division, Wellsford are ahead followed closely by Mid Northern and Mid Western.

Wellsford have enjoyed an unbeaten run through the season so far with only Mid Northern providing the closest hint of a challenge during a close-fought, 21-19, battle in round two.

Winning six games from six so far this season, Wellsford coach Ross Neal said his team were well aware of the threats posed by other clubs.

"We had a tough game against Mid Northern, they're looking quite good this year," he said.

"I think it's going to be a tight comp this year, some of those other teams are yet to fire."

Heading into round seven, Hikurangi's season won't get much easier as they face an in-form third-placed Mid Western side on Saturday.

The same can be said for Kamo - who will be chasing an elusive win - as they host Old Boys Marist.

Middle of the table battlers Otamatea have an away game to Waipu this weekend, as do Hora Hora who will take on first-placed Wellsford.

Rounding off this weekend's match-ups, the Western Sharks will host Mid Northern at Farmlands Park.

In the reserves grade, Wellsford, Otamatea, Mid Northern and Western Sharks round out the top four, with only four points separating first-placed Wellsford from Mid Northern in third and fourth-placed Western Sharks.