Rugby: Rotoiti face big challenge

After what could be described as a miracle last week, Rotoiti will look to carry their winning momentum into a tough clash against defending champions Te Puke.

Rotoiti scored two converted tries and a penalty in the closing 11 minutes against Mt Maunganui last weekend to snatch a 28-27 victory.

They will look for another inspired victory when they face off against undefeated Te Puke at Emery Park tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Whakarewarewa won in impressive style against newly-promoted Paroa last weekend, ticking up five tries and 36 points.

The side have looked impressive this year and will look to extend their winning record to 3-1 with a victory tomorrow against Opotiki.

The Rotorua-based club will be playing at home again this weekend, at Puarenga Park at 2.45pm.

The battle of the bridge between Mt Maunganui and Tauranga also takes place tomorrow afternoon.

Tauranga Sports will put the Jordan Cup on the line and will start as favourites after winning the two corresponding matches last season by a combined 22 points.

However, things could be tighter tomorrow if Mount Maunganui's early season form is anything to go by.

So far the Mounties have lost 14-15 to Te Puna, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a 25-23 thriller against Rangataua and lost in heartbreaking fashion to Rotoiti 27-28 last weekend.

Tauranga Sports, on the other hand, will be looking to extend their faultless start to the season after picking up three bonus-point victories in as many rounds.

In other Baywide premier matches Paroa will host Te Puna and Rangataua will host Greerton Marist.

Division one competition games (starting at 2.45pm tomorrow afternoon) include Kahukura v Whakatane Marist (Kuirau Park 2), Katikati v Waikite (Moore Park 1), Ngongotaha v Poroporo (Ngongotaha Domain 1), Ruatoki v Marist St Michael's (Tuhoe Park 1) and Te Teko v Rangiuru A (Dunderdale Park 1).