League: Early leaders to clash in Tokoroa

Heavyweights Pacific and Pikiao will clash in Tokoroa tomorrow. Pictured is Pacific player Yannis Mea. Photo / Stephen Parker

A re-match of last year's grand final will be staged in Tokoroa during the third round of the Bay of Plenty Coastline premier competition.

Defending champions Pikiao will travel to Memorial Park in Tokoroa tomorrow to face the Pacific Sharks.

Neither team has lost this season and it will be a good indicator of where each team stands in the race for the minor premiership.

Pikiao coach Thomas Wharerau said it would be a big test for his team.

"It will be a tough match. We were missing a few guys [last weekend] who had to work and we will get them back and head over to Tokoroa," he said.

"It will be interesting to see where the boys are at because they are the other top team in the competition."

Pikiao have beaten Mangakino (34-22) and drawn with Ngongotaha (32-32) this season while Pacific have defeated Taupo (22-6) and Mangakino (82-16).

In the other premier games, Ngongotaha will host Taupo Phoenix at Puketawhero Park in Rotorua, while unbeaten Otumoetai will travel to Mangakino to play the Hawks.

Saturday's draw
•Premier grade (2.30pm): Mangakino Hawks v Otumoetai Eels, Mangakino Park; Pacific Sharks v Pikiao Warriors, Memorial Park; Ngongotaha Chiefs v Taupo Phoenix, Puketawhero Park.
•Reserve grade (12.45pm): Pacific Sharks v Pikiao Warriors, Memorial Park; Central Lions v Taupo Phoenix, Puketawhero Park; Reporoa Razorbacks v Otumoetai Eels, Reporoa Rugby Club.
•Division One (1pm): Putaruru Dragons v Papamoa Bulldogs, Glenshea Park; Tauhara Te Maunga v Whakatane/Taneatua Warriors, Hickling Park; Putauaki Stags v Forestland Falcons, Tarawera Park.