BAYWIDE SECTION ONE TO ATTACT PLENTY OF ATTENTION
May 2
After a number of upsets last weekend there are some mouth-watering match-ups on offer in the Baywide section one competition this Saturday (3 May 2008).
A big crowd is expected at the Murray Salt Stadium in Te Puke, where the defending Baywide premier champions Tauranga Sports, will renew a long time rivalry with Te Puke Sports.
Last weekend, Tauranga Sports who had been steamrolling the opposition could only stand and watch, as Rotoiti easily won the battle of the two unbeaten teams. Tauranga Coach Errol Brain would have had stern words with his charges at training and they are sure to be fired-up on Saturday.
Te Puke Sports have been going quietly about their business this season - and currently sit in third spot on the point’s ledger (one point ahead of Tauranga Sports). The side who has been perennial semi-finalists in recent seasons has an air of confidence this year.
The encounter could fall to the team with the best goal kicker, with both sides having a genuine match winner. Recently transferred (from Whakarewarewa) Eruera Haimona has been in grand form with kicking duties - whilst Te Puke’s Brett McLeod has also had great success this season.
The loyal band of Rotoiti supporters will be on hand at Emery Park as their team endeavors to continue their unbeaten winning streak, against Mount Maunganui. Last Saturday they took apart Tauranga Sport playing no nonsense rugby to post a 30-12 victory. Finding winning form will be the aim of Mount Maunganui who was upset by Whakatane Marist last week.
A journey to Maramatanga Park in the heart of the Western Bay of Plenty should be rewarded for Whakarewarewa. Facing Te Puna at home, they will be made to battle hard for victory.
In other top echelon matches Waikite and Te Teko will be meeting at Bellvue Road with the victor grabbing their first win of the season. The winner of the match between Rangataua and Opotiki Sports will cement their position in the top eight - while Whakatane Marist and Kahukura should have a good tussle in the Eastern Bay.
In section two, Greerton Marist will take an unbeaten record into their meeting with Judea at Maharia Winiata Park. Second placed Ngongotaha should be too good for Poroporo at home, while the two other top four sides of Rangiuru and Kawerau play Reporoa and Papamoa respectively.
The Colts encounter, between Tauranga Sports and Te Puke Sports in Te Puke, will see one of the teams lose their unbeaten record. Mount Maunganui who also boast a perfect season will travel to the Rotorua region to meet Rotoiti.
One game that has plenty of intrigue is the clash at Maramatanga Park between Te Puna and Whakarewarewa. With just one loss apiece the winner will move to near the top of the points ledger.
Opotiki have the opportunity to continue their unbeaten run in the Under 19 grade against Te Puna in Opotiki. The other match could be a battle of attrition between Taneatua and Greerton Marist in the Eastern Bay.
BOPRU Draws 3 May 2008
Section One: (All games 2.45pm) Rotoiti v Mount Maunganui, Emery Park; Waikite v Te Teko, Bellvue Road; Te Puna v Whakarewarewa, Maramatanga Park; Rangataua v Opotiki, Te Ariki Park; Te Puke Sports v Tauranga Sports, Murray Salt Stadium; Whakatane Marist v Kahukura, Rugby Park.
Section Two (All games 2.45pm) Taneatua v Paroa, Taneatua Domain; Poroporo v Ngongotaha, Poroporo Reserve; Reporoa v Rangiuru, Reporoa; Papamoa v Kawerau, Gordon Spratt Reserve; Judea v Greerton Marist, Maharia Winiata Park; Marist Michaels v Arataki, Marist Park.
Colts (All games 1pm) Rotoiti v Mount Maunganui, Emery Park; Waikite v Greerton Marist, Bellvue Road; Te Puke Sports v Tauranga Sports, Murray Salt Stadium; Arataki v Rangataua, Grenada Park; Te Teko v Ngongotaha, Dunderdale Park; Te Puna v Whakarewarewa, Maramatanga Park; Whakatane Marist v Kahukura, Rugby Park.
Under 19 (All games 1pm) Taneatua v Greerton Marist, Taneatua Domain; Opotiki v Te Puna, Opotiki Reserve; Hauraki North the bye.
For further information contact:
Mike Rogers BOPRU Rugby Development Manager
07 574 2037 ex 106 029 478 4292
