Rugby: Whaka in desperate need of a victory

It has taken 11 weeks, but for the first time this season the top four have opened up a decent gap on the chasing pack in the Bayfair Baywide premier club rugby competition.

Results in recent weeks have seen fifth-placed Whakarewarewa slip seven points adrift of fourth-placed Mount Maunganui.

This means this weekend's action takes on even more significance for the three other teams within two points of Whakarewarewa, as they hope to keep their finals hopes alive.

Whakarewarewa have an away clash with last-placed Paroa to look forward to tomorrow, but last year's promoted division one side will be up for the challenge.

Whaka has lost three games on the trot and will need a win here to revitalise their season.

Meanwhile, Rotoiti, buoyed by successive wins in the last fortnight, have a tough one at home against Mount Maunganui.

The Mount are surging ahead on the table after putting plenty of disappointment in the first half of the season behind them.

They sit in fourth place on the ladder and will be aiming for their fourth win in as many weeks at Emery Park.

In other games, Te Puna host Greerton Marist who will be intent on pushing past Te Puke Sports for second position.

Marist coach Kane Parker is under no illusions as to what awaits his players.

"Obviously with Te Puna this week at Maramatanga Park, it's always been a fortress, and they are a very proud rugby side. It'll certainly be a tough one," said Parker.

Opotiki, sitting in seventh place, also need a timely win after falling at home to Rotoiti last week.

However, they face off against high flyers of the competition Tauranga Sports in Tauranga.

Rangataua will host Te Puke Sports in the other match.

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

Kahukura v Poroporo (Kuirau Park), Katikati v Marist St Michael's (Moore Park),

Ngongotaha v Rangiuru (Ngongotaha Domain), Ruatoki v Whakatane Marist (Tuhoe Park), Te Teko v Waikite (Dunderdale Park).