Crunch time in hunt for top spot

It's crunch time for teams making a charge towards the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League premier title. With three rounds remaining before the playoffs, three teams are battling it out for first place on the ladder. Pikiao, Taupo and Pacific are separated by only two competition points.

However, perhaps the biggest contest during the final three weeks will be fought by the teams sitting on the verge of the top four.

Ngongotaha and Forestland (Tokoroa) sit in fourth and fifth places and will battle it out for the final place in the semi-finals.

While Ngongotaha hold a slight advantage on the table, Forestland have a bye next weekend which will see them receive two competition points.

The decisive game for the two clubs will likely come down to their final round match-up in two weeks.

The two teams have tough tasks this weekend, with Forestland playing Pikiao at Puketawhero Park, while Ngongotaha travel to Taupo.

Both games start at 2.30pm today.

Meanwhile, Pikiao will be fired up to win today after Taupo broke their win streak in the team's last outing.

Doug Unuwai's men have had a great season this year and when their offence fires they are close to unstoppable.

Pacific (Tokoroa) have the bye today.

In the reserve division, Central will look to extend their undefeated streak today when they face off against Reporoa.

Central has been the strongest side in the reserve grade this year, winning all 12 matches they have played.

The final three spots in the reserve grade semi-finals will be decided between Mangakino, Pikiao, Pacific and Reporoa.

Reserve grade games today (all games start at 1pm):

Putaruru v Pacific (Glenshea Park), Ngongotaha v Mangakino (Puketawhero Park), Taupo v Pikiao (Hickling Park), Turangi v Tauhara (Turangi), Reporoa v Central (Reporoa).

Premier table:

• 
  Pikiao 19
• 
  Taupo 18
• 
  Pacific 17
• 
  Ngongotaha 10
• 
  Forestland 8