Rugby: Grand final rematch will test mettle of Rotoiti side

After winning three games on the trot, Rotoiti coach Kevin Lee knows a big hurdle still lays before them which could trip up their momentum.

Rotoiti face off against second-placed Te Puke tomorrow in a rematch of last year's Baywide premier grand final.

"The teams we have beaten are mid-table teams so this match will give us more of an indication of where we're at," Lee said.

He said while Te Puke had a lot of strengths, his side would just focus on their own game tomorrow.

"I understand the weather is going to be quite wet," he said. "So we will just worry about what we have to do."

In terms of injuries, Lee said they were struggling a bit for depth but would battle on.

He said their lock Kaiwana Waiteti had started his recovery from a badly broken ankle suffered in a derby match against Whakarewarewa last month, but would be sidelined until next year.

Meanwhile, Whakarewarewa and Opotiki will meet in a clash which will propel the winner towards a top four berth.

Both Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa play away from home tomorrow.

The battle of the bridge promises to be the marquee match-up of the round, with Tauranga Sports playing host to Mount Maunganui.

Competition leaders Tauranga Sports are unbeaten after 12 weeks but will put their streak on the line against a much-improved Mount Maunganui side at Blake Park.

In other games, Greerton Marist host Rangataua and Te Puna host Paroa.

Division One (games start at 2.45pm tomorrow): Marist St Michael's v Ruatoki (Marist Park), Poroporo v Ngongotaha (Poroporo Park), Rangiuru v Te Teko (Centennial Park), Waikite v Katikati (Bellvue Road), Whakatane Marist v Kahukura (Rugby Park).