Rugby league: Order of top four being decided

Pikiao player Rawiri Lingman is wrestled to the ground during a match against the Pacific Sharks. Photo / Ben Fraser

The playoffs picture will become a lot clearer after this weekend in the Bay of Plenty Coastline competitions.

Only two rounds remain before the playoffs in a gruelling regular season.

Most of the semifinalists have been found in all three divisions - the premier, reserve, and division one - but the order in which the top four finish is still to be decided.

In the premier grade the Pacific Sharks (Tokoroa) will finish top if they beat Ngongotaha tomorrow in Tokoroa.

Pacific coach Paniora Daniels said they were trying to get back to top form ahead of the playoffs. Last weekend they turned a corner beating Pikiao 60-6. "It is about keeping up our intensity and urgency for the next few rounds."

Meanwhile, top Rotorua club Pikiao have cemented fourth spot on the table, but Pikiao coach Garrum Davis said they wanted to focus on getting form ahead of the semifinals. "We ... still have improvements to make ..."

Second-placed Taupo Phoenix still have a chance of winning the minor premiership but will most likely settle for a home semifinal, while the Otumoetai Eels look likely to finish third.

In the reserve grade, the two top sides Pacific and Central (Rotorua) will clash this weekend at Memorial Park.

However, Central had a game rained off against Taupo last weekend which could cost them a shot at the minor premiership. Upper Central Zone Rugby League said points might be shared from the two rained-out games, but a decision was still to be made.

In the Division One competition Putauaki will take a big step towards qualifying top for the semifinals if they beat Tauhara this weekend.

Tables (two rounds remaining):
Premier: Pacific 22, Taupo 18*, Otumoetai 16, Pikiao 11, Mangakino 6, Ngongotaha 3*.
Reserve grade: Pacific 24, Central 20*, Reporoa 17, Otumoetai 9, Pikiao 6, Taupo 0*.
Division One: Putauaki 24, Forestland 22, Whakatane 14, Putaruru 10, Tauhara 4, Papamoa 4.
*Game rained out last weekend. A decision pending on whether to replay or share the points.

Rugby league draw tomorrow (round 14):
•Premier: 2.30pm: Pacific v Ngongotaha, Memorial Park; Pikiao v
Otumoetai, Puketawhero Park. 3pm: Mangakino v Taupo, Mangakino Rugby
Club.

•Reserve grade: 12pm: Reporoa v Taupo, Reporoa Rugby Club. 12.45pm:
Pacific v Central, Memorial Park; Pikiao v Otumoetai, Puketawhero Park.

•Division One: 1pm: Putaruru v Forestland, Glenshea Park; Tauhara v
Putauaki, Hickling Park; Whakatane/Taneatua v Papamoa, Taneatua
Domain.