Defending champions Eketahuna are already there but with just three rounds of matches still to be played the race for the other three-semi-final berths in the Wairarapa-Bush senior first division rugby competition is on in earnest. With 14 wins from their 15 matches Eketahuna, who are apparently considering the merits ofplaying their rugby in Manawatu next season, have to be red hot favourites to win the premiership for a third successive year. They are currently on 69 points, 19 clear of anyone else, and , what's more, they have also scored the most scored the most number of game points (550) whilst conceding the least (120). And if that's not even impressive enough the 13 bonus points they have gained- 12 for scoring four or more tries and one for finishing within seven points of Greytown-Tuhirangi in their only defeat- is two more than any other side have managed. There are five other sides who remain serious contenders for the semi-finals???Marist on 50pts, Gladstone 49, Greytown-Tuhirangi 46, Carterton 44 and Pioneer 43. Out of the reckoning are East Coast 30, Martinborough 27, Masterton Red Star 8 and Puketoi 6. Of those contesting for top four places Pioneer has the hardest row to hoe tomorrow?.yes all first division matches are being played tomorrow despite the All Blacks v Lions test in Wellington being later that day, a decision apparently made by the clubs themselves. Pioneer are up against Eketahuna at Eketahuna and unless the home side produces a Lions-type performance the best Pioneer can hope for is a bonus point for scoring four tries or more. They will lack nothing on the score of endeavour but Eketahuna's forwards should guarantee that the nippy Pioneer backs get very little opportunity to show their paces. And, of course, the expected heavy conditions will play into Eketahuna's hands as through the likes of experienced campaigners Hamish McKenzie and Steve Olds they are more adept at wet-weather rugby than any first division team.
