Two matches either end of the spectrum of the Baywide section one rugby competition, will generate plenty of interest on Saturday (17 May 2008).

A top of the table clash, between competition leaders Whakarewarewa and fellow Rotorua side Rotoiti, should draw the biggest crowd of the season out to Emery Park. The weekend combatants have a fierce rivalry that stretches back decades.

While both sides have lost just one game apiece during the season - the value of bonus points is underlined by Whaka being five points in front of their traditional rivals. With both teams, having solid forward packs and several game breakers in their units, a game of attrition could result.

With the game likely to go down to the wire - victory could come from the side with the most successful goal kicker. Both sides are well served in the kicking department, with Kelly Haimona in grand form for Whaka, while Whakataki Cunningham has had plenty of success for Rotoiti.

At the other end of the points table is an equally vital encounter with the two cellar dwellers meeting. Former Baywide heavyweight Waikite will host Te Puna at Bellvue Road. While both teams look likely to play in division one in the Baywide second round - success could revitalise the winner’s fortunes.

Second placed Tauranga Sports should beat Opotiki - however the Eastern Bay side has provided plenty of go forward against teams this season. An old fashioned battle could take place between Te Puke Sports and the Kahukura who nearly upset Rotoiti last weekend.

An Eastern Bay local derby will take place at Rugby Park in Whakatane when Whakatane Marist meets near neighbours Te Teko. Form would suggest that Mount Maunganui should have little trouble with Rangataua - however Rangataua are always hard to dislodge at home.

Section two front-runners Greerton Marist could see their unbeaten record under threat against Papamoa. While Papamoa sit mid table they are another side who seem to shine in front of a home crowd.

Ngongotaha and Kawerau, whom have both posted several significant victories during the year, should provide an entertaining spectacle in Rotorua. In other matches Rangiuru should be too good for Judea, Poroporo at home could trouble Arataki, while Reporoa and Marist St Michaels are at home against Taneatua and Paroa respectively.

The Colts competition is led by Mount Maunganui who will travel the short distance to Te Ariki Park to play Rangataua. Further down the point’s ledger there is a logjam with just six points separating five teams.

Second placed Tauranga Sports face another top four contender in Greerton Marist, with Whaka, Te Puke Sports and Ngongotaha also looking for further success.

Under 19 competition leader Opotiki should have a good tussle with Thames Valley side Hauraki North in the Valley, with Greerton favoured to beat fellow Western Bay side Te Puna.

BOPRU Draws 17 May 2008

Section One: (All games 2.45pm) Whakatane Marist v Te Teko, Rugby Park; Rangataua v Mount Maunganui, Te Ariki Park; Rotoiti v Whakarewarewa, Emery Park; Opotiki v Tauranga Sports, Opotiki Reserve; Waikite v Te Puna, Bellvue Road; Te Puke Sports v Kahukura, Murray Salt Stadium.

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

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

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