Rugby: Te Awamutu earn home advantage

Central Bay had their first win of the season on Saturday in the Stan Meads Cup competition. Pictured is Central Bay's Tony Lawrence (with ball) in action this season. Photo / Stephen Parker

Te Awamutu earned the favourites tag for the 2015 Stan Meads Cup after returning home with a hard fought 27-17 victory over Eastern Bay of Plenty.

With a home semifinal and the Peace Cup on the line, both teams entered the match at Princess Street Reserve in Opotiki on Saturday with a fierce determination to win.

The defending champions, Te Awamutu had a handy 14-3 lead at halftime, and despite Eastern Bay scoring 14 points in the second spell the visitors knuckled down to take victory.

Meanwhile, Central Bay of Plenty won their first match in the competition on Saturday, beating King Country B in Te Kuiti.

The Rotorua-based team also picked up their third bonus point in a row when they triumphed 26-12.

The Stan Meads Cup semifinals on Saturday will see Te Awamutu host Hamilton and Piako host Eastern Bay of Plenty.

In the SMC Bowl, for the remaining sides, Thames Valley and King Country will meet this weekend, with the winner earning the right to play Central Bay of Plenty in the bowl final.

Stan Meads Cup results (round three)

Section One: Te Awamutu 27 Eastern Bay of Plenty 17, Central Bay of Plenty 26 King Country B 12.

Section Two: Piako 24 Thames Valley B 13, Hamilton bye.

-Points (provisional):

Section One: Te Awamutu 12, Eastern Bay of Plenty 9, Central Bay of Plenty 7, King Country B 0.

Section Two: Piako 8, Hamilton 6, Thames Valley B 0.