Night rugby kicks off in Baywide Premier grade

Action from last year's night game at Maramataga Park between Te Puna and Te Puke. Photo / File

Easter weekend traditionally is when the Baywide Premier competition switches on the lights.

Tonight that trend continues, with matches to be played under floodlights at Te Puna's Maramataga Park and Te Puke's Murray Salt Stadium.

It takes professional rugby players a while to adapt to night rugby, particularly dealing with the ball coming out of the lights, so there is added pressure for many of the club players playing under lights for the first time.

Adding to the drama are heavy northeasterlies forecast that will likely play a major part in proceedings.

Te Puke Sports should take the points at home against Eastern Bay's Paroa but will be wary of the visitors who knocked over previously unbeaten Rangataua Sports last Saturday.

Te Puna Sports, fresh from a startling 58-0 win over Greerton Marist at Greerton Park, host Mount Maunganui Sports in what should be an absorbing contest with Te Puna undoubtedly a team on the rise after their improvement last season.

Head coach Aidan Kuka says they are trying hard each week to improve in all areas.

"We had a pretty good first half last week but faded in the second, so we will be looking to address that," he said.

"Competition for positions has brought the best out of the boys so far. The culture in the squad is strong across our whole Premier and Development group. Depth is crucial if we are looking to push on this year."

Kuka is expecting a tough battle from Mount Maunganui.

"We have huge respect for the Mount; they are a quality side. We will need to bring a quality 80-minute performance. Playing at home in front of our home crowd and supporters means a lot to this group. It should be a good game."

Mount Maunganui head coach Rodney Voullaire is pleased with how his team continues to improve week by week.

"Over the last few weeks we have implemented new systems and moves which have brought us closer to the best teams in the competition," he said.

"We can't wait for this night game versus Te Puna - a new difference to club rugby. They will be tough at home; they play with a hell of a lot of heart at Maramatanga Park. We will be concentrating on us and getting us right, knowing our systems and sticking to them will be key."

On Good Friday, Greerton Marist host Poroporo and Whakarewarewa are home to Whakatane Marist, while on Saturday Rotoiti host Tauranga Sports with Rangataua Sports and Arataki at Te Ariki Park.

Baywide Premier and Premier Development Draws:

Thursday, April 13
Te Puna v Mount Maunganui at Maramatanga Park
Premier kick-off: 7.45pm, Development kick-off: 6pm

Te Puke Sports v Paroa at Murray Salt Stadium
Premier kick-off: 7.15pm, Development kick-off: 6.30pm

Friday April 14:
Whakarewarewa v Whakatane Marist at Puarenga Park
Premier kick-off: 2.45pm, Development kick-off: 1.00pm

Greerton Marist v Poroporo at Greerton Park
Premier kick-off: 2.15pm, Development kick-off: 12.30pm

Saturday 15 April:
Rotoiti v Tauranga Sports at Emery Park
Rangataua v Arataki at Te Ariki Park
Premier kick-off: 2.45pm, Premier Development kick-off: 1.00pm

Baywide Division 1:

Friday April 14:
Opotiki v Kahukura at Princess St Reserve
Kick-off: 12.30pm

Papamoa v Marist St Michaels at Gordon Spratt Reserve
Kick-off: 1.00pm

Katikati v Ruatoki at Moore Park
Judea v Waikite at Maharaia Winiata Memorial Park
Kick-off: 2.45pm

Saturday April 15 :
Ngongotaha v Waimana at Ngongotaha Domain
Kick-off: 12.30pm