Rotoiti charge at semis

A run of great results for Rotoiti has put the club in contention for a finals berth.

The club have won five straight games in the Bayfair Baywide premier rugby competition, including a win against top-four side Greerton Marist last weekend.

In an interesting twist, Rotoiti find themselves in a four-way tie for fourth place, with only four rounds remaining before the semifinals.

They will play away tomorrow against Te Puna, who were thumped last week by lowly Rangataua 41-15.

Both teams are locked on 34 competition points and a win for either side would go a long way towards a semis spot.

Rotoiti will be without one of their best players in Jesse Acton, who broke his leg last week in a Bay of Plenty Wasps game.

On a positive note for the club, two Rotoiti players have found their way into the Bay of Plenty Steamers squad for the coming ITM Cup season.

Rotoiti hooker Joe Royal and first five-eighth Willie Ripia were included in the 35-man squad named this week.

Meanwhile, Whakarewarewa, who have not won a game since May 11, will look to play their way back into form when they meet Rangataua tomorrow at Puarenga Park at 2.45pm.

Whaka's chances of making the semifinals are all but over, but they will still look to leave their mark on the competition in the remaining rounds.

In what is shaping to be the match of the round, an ominous-looking Te Puke Sports side will host competition leaders Tauranga Sports at Murray Salt Stadium in a clash beaten the two top teams.

Tauranga Sports are yet to lose a game and will look to keep their perfect season alive.

As well, victory for Tauranga would see them claim the regular-season title with three rounds remaining before the playoffs.

In other games , Mt Maunganui host Greerton Marist and Paroa host Sports Opotiki.

Division one (all games start at 2.45pm ):

Ngongotaha v Katikati (Ngongotaha Domain), Rangiuru v Ruatoki (Centennial Park), Te Teko v Kahukura (Dunderdale Park), Waikite v Poroporo (Bellvue Road), Whakatane Marist v Marist St Michael's (Rugby Park)