FIERCE rivalries and tense battles will be reignited in Rotorua today as four local sides kick off a new competition.
Whakarewarewa, Ngongotaha, Waikite and Marist St Michael's are all competing in Premier 2 after a thrilling finale to round one of the Baywide Premier division.
The final four places in the top eight of the Premier division [now Premier 1] and the top four of Division One [now Premier 2] went down to the wire.
Rob Beckett, chairman of Bay of Plenty sub-union for Rotorua rugby, said local head-to-heads would enhance the quality of performance.
"What an amazing finish to round one, I really can't remember a finish quite like that," he said.
"It came down to the last whistle in some games and that's what you want to see - teams giving everything.
"Premier 2 is a very exciting prospect. I think any team could beat anyone and, when you throw in those fierce derby games, the level of rugby will most certainly step up. They are the games you want to be part of as a player and the battles you want to watch as a spectator. Hopefully people will come out and support, even those who perhaps haven't followed the game recently.
"It's a special season for Rotorua and it will be very beneficial for the youth. They can be inspired and they have a proper pathway into clubs. It will really make a difference."
Ngongotaha had a strong first round, topping Division 1 on 39 points, Poroporo finished second a point behind and Waikite finished third on 33 points.
Marist St Michael's were made to wait for their confirmation because they finished equal on 31 points with Rangiuru. However, Marist were promoted because they won the round six clash between the teams.
Jared Grace, Ngongotaha's assistant coach, is relishing the prospect of so many local derby matches and says Whakarewarewa is the team to watch.
"The boys were elated to do so well and we are all very excited about the opportunity round two has to offer," he said.
"We will have to face every contest head on and it will certainly be a difficult competition. We want to get back in the top division, but so does everyone else. Whaka will possibly be the hardest clash as they have a point to prove. They have top premier calibre and were unfortunate to drop down."
Whakarewarewa dropped down with Arataki, Opotiki and Paroa to complete the eight now in the Baywide Premier 2 competition.
The stand-out opening clash in Rotorua today is between Waikite and Whakarewarewa, who are also battling for the Tai Mitchell Shield.
Waikite coach Carl Masters said there had been much excitement surrounding the match.
"We just can't wait to play. It is a big game for us and Rotorua, and we are looking to win and to get the bonus of the shield to go with it," he said. "Everyone is pretty composed, trying not to apply too much pressure and just worrying about doing the job right."
Whakarewarewa coach Kopae Irihei said he was disappointed with last weekend's outcome, but insisted his team were now fully focused on today's fixture.
"It is what it is and we can't dwell on that. We have to move forward as fast as we can," he said. "If we don't come with the right attitude and be positive about it and drop our guard then the first division teams will give us a run for our money. This weekend it is a special occasion as the shield holds a lot of prestige and mana and Waikite haven't had a shot at it for a number of years so I expect a tough test."