Media Release - March 10th 2008
Fine Weather Should Produce Plenty of Baywide Tries

The crisp mornings of autumn coupled with a forecast that predicts little rain - should produce conditions that ought to produce plenty of tries, in Saturdays (12 April 2008) round of the Baywide rugby competitions.

One player, who has made a real impact in the first two rounds of the section one competition, is flying Mount Maunganui winger Zane Butler. Five tries in the opening round was followed by another touch down last weekend.

A further Butler try-fest could be on offer on Saturday, when Mount Maunganui host Te Teko at Blake Park.  Another in the Mount ranks to make his mark is Japanese first five Tatsuhiko Otao who looks a more than useful kicker.

While Te Teko will be seeking their first win of the season - there first two performances suggest that they will grab their share of victories. Daniel Godbold, who has relinquished the coaching reins this season, has picked up try in each of his teams outings.

Defending premier champions Tauranga Sports, have made the early running sitting astride the points ladder, with two victories and a bonus point. This weekend they host fellow Western Bay side Te Puna at the Tauranga Domain. With a win and a loss, the Te Puna unit coached by Bob Moorhead, will need to contain the lively Tauranga trio of loose forwards.

Another side to make a perfect start to the competition is Rotoiti who have posted wins over Waikite and Te Puke Sports. A visit, to Te Ariki Park in the Western Bay to face Rangataua, could see their unbeaten record under threat. Rangataua who like to spin the ball at every opportunity, will have conditions that suit their brand of rugby.

There should be a large crowd on hand at the Opotiki Reserve, to watch the Eastern Bay local derby, between the home side and Whakatane Marist. Both teams have posted a solid win apiece in the opening rounds to suggest that they could be top eight contenders.

In spite of Kahukura posting a solid win last week - Whakarewarewa should be to good for the red, white and blue brigade at Kuirau Park. Perennial semi-finalists Te Puke Sports should rebound from last Saturday’s narrow loss (to Rotoiti) when they host Waikite at Murray Salt Stadium.

For the first time for a number of seasons a Baywide Under 19 competition kicks off this Saturday.

BOPRU Draws 12 April 2008
Section One (All games 2.45pm) Te Puke Sports v Waikite, Murray Salt Stadium; Rangataua v Rotoiti, Te Ariki Park; Mount Maunganui v Te Teko, Blake Park; Opotiki v Whakatane Marist, Opotiki Reserve; Tauranga Sports v Te Puna, Tauranga Domain; Kahukura v Whakarewarewa, Kuirau Park.

Section Two (All games 2.45pm) Papamoa v Reporoa, Gordon Spratt Reserve; Greerton Marist v Paroa, Greerton Park; Poroporo v Marist St Michaels, Poroporo Park; Ngongotaha v Judea, Ngongotaha Domain; Arataki v Rangiuru, Grenada Park; Kawerau v Taneatua, Firmin Field.

Colts (All games 1pm) Te Puke Sports v Waikite, Murray Salt Stadium; Arataki v Whakatane Marist, Grenada Park; Rangataua v Rotoiti, Te Ariki Park, Mount Maunganui v Te Teko, Blake Park; Tauranga Sports v Ngongotaha, Tauranga Domain; Kahukura v Whakarewarewa, Kuirau Park; Te Puna v Greerton Marist, Maramatanga Park.

Under 19 (All games 1pm) Opotiki v Hauraki North, Opotiki Domain; Te Puna v Greerton Marist, Maramatanga Park; Taneatua the bye.

For further information contact:
Mike Rogers BOPRU Rugby Development Manager
07 574 2037 ex 106  029 478 4292