Rugby: Baywide race as tight as it's ever been

Tauranga's coach, Mike Rogers, says they are struggling with injury at the moment. Photo / APN

There will be no signs of complacency from any of the Bayfair Baywide teams tomorrow after huge upsets involving defending champions Tauranga Sports and runners-up Mount Maunganui Sports in the last two rounds.

Tauranga were tipped up at home by Rotoiti a fortnight ago and, last week, the Mounties came home from Te Ariki Park after a severe touch-up from Rangataua.

What it all means is this season the points table is as congested as any since the Baywide competition began, with at least the top seven teams in with a chance of playing in the semifinals. With the Steamers squad due in about six weeks, there is even more incentive for players to shine.

A key game tomorrow will be at Greerton Park where the sixth-placed home side will host second-placed Tauranga Sports.

Tauranga's coach, Mike Rogers, says they are struggling with injury at the moment.

"We're hoping to get a couple of guys back this weekend, which will hopefully make a difference as our results have been up and down so far this season," he said. "Having said that, Greerton have been going really well. It will probably be a tight game as have all our games been this year. Greerton is a good side as well so we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

Greerton Marist coach Kane Parker was overall happy with how his team was progressing.

"We as a team are like a fine wine - getting better and better as time goes on. We have been focusing on creating depth this round and, hopefully, our plan comes to fruition in the second round," said Parker.

"Any team in the Bay who play Tauranga Sports always know they're up for a good game. Tauranga are a clinical side with a high skill set. We're definitely looking forward to the game this weekend and the whole competition is looking pretty good at the moment."

Leaders Te Puke gutsed it out in last week's epic win over Rotoiti, but will be way too strong for winless Rangiuru. The local derby will have a special atmosphere, though, with both clubs located a few hundred metres apart.

Blake Park should see plenty of tries with Mount Maunganui hosting Whakarewarewa in the battle between the two attack-minded teams in equal third place on points.

Te Puna and Rangataua both have tough away matches to Rotoiti and Opotiki respectively.

Baywide draw, for tomorrow: Development games 1pm; Premier games 2.45pm: Mount Maunganui v Whakarewarewa, Blake Park; Rangiuru v Te Puke, Centennial Park; Greerton Marist v Tauranga Sports, Greerton Park; Opotiki v Rangataua, Princess Street Reserve; Rotoiti v Te Puna, Emery Park.

Points: Te Puke Sports 31, Tauranga Sports 28, Mount Maunganui 26, Whakarewarewa 26, Rotoiti 25, Greerton Marist 22, Rangataua 17, Opotiki 10, Te Puna 10, Rangiuru 2.