The point’s ladder logjam in the Baywide section one competition has set up a number of must win games this Saturday (31 May 2008).

With just two rounds remaining, before the top eight to fight out the Baywide premier championship are confirmed - no match has more significance than the game in the Western Bay of Plenty between home side Rangataua and Te Teko from the Eastern Bay.

With the two teams sitting in sixth (Rangataua) and seventh (Te Teko) position respectively– the winner should book a berth in the top echelon, with the loser having to regroup, for a final effort in the last round.

The reward for success is provided by the team from the Eastern Bay. Four weeks ago Te Teko were winless sitting in eleventh place on the ladder. Four successive victories over Waikite, Te Puna, Whakatane Marist and last weeks up set of Rotoiti, see a premier championship spot on the horizon.

By contrast Rangataua have been in the top eight throughout the season. The return of Ruki Tipuna, and the accurate goal kicking of Glen Strang, has provided a platform for the team to perform.

Eighth placed Opotiki, who surprised with a victory over Mount Maunganui last weekend, face an uphill battle against the competition leaders. Whakarewarewa had been almost unstoppable this season, with just the blip of a narrow loss to Tauranga Sports, on their score sheet.

Another side needing to cause a upset, is Kahukura who will play Tauranga Sports, at the Tauranga Domain. The revelation of this year’s competition, may find the pace of the Tauranga loose forwards and outside backs, difficult to combat.

Te Puke Sports who are playing Te Puna under lights at Murray Salt Stadium on Friday evening should have a fast paced encounter.  Mount Maunganui and Rotoiti who both sit in the top four should prove too strong for Waikite and Whakatane Marist respectively.

In section two Ngongotaha at home, will be looking to deprive Greerton Marist of the unbeaten record. While the Western Bay side have made the front running in the second echelon, Ngongotaha have suffered just two losses this season.

A good tussle should take place at the Gordon Spratt Reserve where home team Papamoa will take on Rangiuru. With both teams chasing a division one berth - Papamoa in fifth place need to upset Rangiuru who sit in second position.

Two other sides on the cusp of promotion to division one must win this weekend. Reporoa at home could account for Judea, with Kawerau needing to upset Arataki to have a chance of playing in the second echelon.

Baywide Section One Points Table

Whakarewarewa (41) Tauranga Sports (38) Mount Maunganui (28) Rotoiti (27) Te Puke Sports (25) Rangataua (22) Te Teko (21) Opotiki (20) Kahukura (19) Te Puna (15) Whakatane Marist (10) Waikite (4).

BOPRU Draws 31 May 2008

Section One: Friday 30 May – Te Puke Sports v Te Puna, Murray Salt Stadium 7.30pm - Saturday 31 May (All games 2.45pm) Tauranga Sports v Kahukura, Tauranga Domain; Waikite v Mount Maunganui, Bellvue Road; Rangataua v Te Teko, Te Ariki Park; Rotoiti v Whakatane Marist, Emery Park; Opotiki v Whakarewarewa, Opotiki Reserve.

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

Colts: No Games.