Rugby: Derby 'great contest between local tribes'

Rotoit coach Kevin Lee knows better than most what it is like to be in charge during a local derby.

Battle lines will be drawn tomorrow when two proud rugby clubs, Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa, meet at Emery Park.

They will be contesting the prestigious Geyser Land Challenge Shield, better known as the Tai Mitchell Shield, with plenty of bragging rights on offer between mates.

Rotoiti coach Lee, who was in charge of Whakarewarewa last year, said it was always a fierce derby between the two clubs.

"It is a great contest between the two local tribes," he said. "Everyone looks forward to this type of game."

He said his team would need to really dig deep tomorrow with a few players overseas playing sevens while a number of others were sidelined with injury.

"I'm just pleased we have a core group of guys who turn up every week," he said.

"Hopefully we can give [Whakarewarewa] a good enough run to justify it as a shield game."

Heavy favourites Whakarewarewa sit well above Rotoiti on the table and boast a good record against their rivals.

They will also be looking to secure a bonus point victory in to keep Te Puna off their backs in the hunt for a top four spot in the Baywide premier competition.

However, one man who will be keen to spoil Whaka's plans will be former Ponsonby captain and newcomer Joe Royal.

Lee said Royal's brother use to play for Rotoiti and he had turned up at training on Tuesday after starting a new role with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

Lee said he would like to see a good crowd out at Emery Park tomorrow for the game, which kicks off at 2.45pm.

Meanwhile, in Tauranga, the top two teams in the league will face off at Tauranga Domain.

Nine teams have tried and failed to knock over Tauranga Sports this season but Greerton Marist were one of only two sides to come close.

Greerton Marist have since recovered from an 0-2 start to the season to sit second on the table.

In other premier matches, Paroa host Te Puke Sports, Rangataua host Opotiki and Te Puna host Mount Maunganui.

Division one draw (all games start at 2.45pm):

Kahukura v Waikite (Kuirau Park 2), Katikati v Whakatane Marist (Moore Park 1), Marist St Michael's v Rangiuru (Marist Park 1), Ruatoki v Ngongotaha (Tuhoe Park 1) and Te Teko v Poroporo (Dunderdale Park 1).

Last five results between the sides in the Baywide premier division:

• 
  Round 1, 2011: Whaka 18 Rotoiti 17

• 
  Round 2, 2011: Whaka 29 Rotoiti 29

• 
  Round 1, 2012: Whaka 29 Rotoiti 10

• 
  Round 2, 2012: Rotoiti 20 Whaka 17

• 
  Round 1, 2013: Whaka 30 Rotoiti 6