Rugby league: Local pride at stake for quality sides

WINNING STREAK: Ngongotaha are looking to keep their winning streak alive against Taupo. Pictured is Ngongotaha's Vito Peato. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER 060414SP7

Taupo will host Ngongotaha this weekend in the only top four match of the round in the Bay of Plenty premier competition.

Taupo were too strong for Forestland (Tokoroa) last weekend, beating them 58-4, while Ngongotaha have won five straight matches.

It is shaping up to be a big match between two quality sides.

It is only halfway through the competition but the top four - Pacific (Tokoroa), Ngongotaha, Pikiao and Taupo - are already breaking away from the bottom three sides.

Top-of-the-table Pacific won't want to take their match lightly though against local rivals Forestland.

Both sides will be fired up for the match with lots of local pride at stake.

In the only other premier game, the bottom two teams will meet at Puketawhero Park for a good old-fashioned grudge match.

Central are still on the lookout for their first win of the season while Mangakino are looking to turn some close results in recent weeks into a victory.

Bay of Plenty District Rugby League round eight draw tomorrow:

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

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