League: Premiership race goes down to wire

Puketawhero Park will be buzzing this weekend with two giant clashes. Pictured (with ball) is Pikiao player Otene Te Rangi. Photo/Stephen Parker

It will go down as one of the closest minor premiership races in Bay of Plenty District history.

The top four sides in the local premier competition are still battling it out for the minor premiership, with only two rounds left before the semifinals.

Defending champions Pacific sit atop the ladder on 20 points but are closely followed by Pikiao (19), Ngongotaha (19) and Taupo (18).

That means the final placings for the semifinals will likely be decided tomorrow, when the top four clubs do battle in Rotorua.

Ngongotaha will play Pacific and Pikiao will play Taupo at Puketawhero Park.

"To be only one win, or a loss, away from being minor premiers or fourth - it would be the closest I've seen it," Ngongotaha coach Dominic James said.

James said tomorrow's games were massive in terms of the final placings in the semifinals.

"This will determine where we sit on the table. A win could put us into first or second, so it is a pretty big round for the top four," James said.

"It will be our biggest test to date, this weekend. After a loss, Pacific will be coming out all guns blazing."

Finishing in the top two this season brings with it a better chance of making the grand final on August 16.

The top two sides will play off in the first week of the play-offs, for a spot in the grand final, while third and fourth will face off with the loser eliminated.

While there is still another round left in the regular season after this weekend, no top four clashes are scheduled for the final round. That means this weekend's games have extra significance for the big clubs.

James said his team would need to be on top of their game to get past Tokoroa's Pacific this weekend.

"[We will need] to beat them up front and win the ruck, and make the most of our opportunities when we get down there. We need to be scoring when we get in their red zone."

Ngongotaha handed Pacific their first loss of the season in May when they bet them 22-20. Unfortunately, James said his team would be missing some players with injury tomorrow.

The top four sides have already cemented their place in the semifinals.

In the other premier game tomorrow, Mangakino will play Forestland and Central will have the bye.

Bay of Plenty District Rugby League draw for tomorrow:

Premier (2.30pm): Ngongotaha v Pacific, Puketawhero Park; Pikiao v Taupo, Puketawhero Park; Mangakino v Forestland, Mangakino; Central bye.

Reserve grade (1pm): Putaruru v Pacific, Glenshea Park; Pikiao Res v Turangi, Puketawhero Park; Reporoa v Tauhara, Reporoa; Pikiao Snrs bye.