Football: Leaders face stiff contests

Taupo and Claudelands Rovers, with 40 and 39 points respectively dominate the WaiBop Federation League, but both will be nervous about this weekend's games.

Claudelands host Otumoetai, who they narrowly beat 2-1 earlier in the season, while Taupo are away against AFC Fury who pushed them all the way before losing 2-1 at Crown Park.

The closeness of the previous scores will not be lost on the competition leaders, and both will want to stamp their authority early but Otumoetai and Fury will be no pushovers.

Ngongotaha will be looking for their sixth consecutive win when they meet Whakatane Town at Stembridge Rd, but the visitors have won their last two games. It was a 1-1 draw at Rex Morpeth Park and although the Villagers have home advantage, this time it is likely to be a close encounter.

Home supporters will be hoping for just the third win of the season for Rotorua United when they meet cellar dwellers Otorohanga at Neil Hunt Park. It was a much needed morale boost for United last week when they beat Waikato Unicol and a win tomorrow is a must if they are to have a chance of avoiding relegation, however they were held to a draw by Otorohanga earlier in the season, and the visitors will be desperate for at least a point.

In other games, Tauranga Boys' College, who are in danger of slipping into the relegation zone, will be hoping they can repeat their first round win over Waikato Unicol who are also sliding down the ladder, while Old Blues meet Melville at Gower Park. It was 4-2 to Melville in the first encounter and they need three points to retain third place.

So all games have an edge to them, with the title and relegation battles hotting up.

In division two Tauranga City, who assured themselves of the title last week, have the bye while Clube Alegria and Cambridge are fighting it out for second. They are tied on 27 points but Cambridge have the advantage of two games in hand. Both will be expected to win tomorrow, with Cambridge hosting West Hamilton and Clube Alegria at home against Matamata.

In other games, Katikati host Rotorua United and Tokoroa are at home against Te Awamutu.

Division one points: Taupo 40, Claudelands 39, Melville 24, Whakatane, Ngongotaha, Fury 21, Otumoetai 19, Old Blues 18, Unicol 15, Tauranga Boys' 13, Rotorua United 11, Otorohanga 5.

Division two points: Tauranga City 39, Cambridge, Clube Alegria 27, Katikati 25, Te Awamutu 18, Tokoroa 16, Rotorua United 10, West Hamilton 9, Matamata 5.