Rugby: Tauranga look for another win

Mount Maunganui Sports will take on Greerton Marist tomorrow without some key players like Matty Axtens, pictured here. Photo / File

Unbeaten Tauranga Sports look set to continue on their winning ways with a home fixture against Te Puna tomorrow.

The runaway WBOP Premier competition leaders are building nicely for the start of the revamped Baywide competition that kicks off on May 2. Te Puna are never easy beats, but may find the final 20 minutes a problem as Rangataua did last week, when Tauranga Sports went up a couple of gears to easily win the game 60-22.

Across town at Greerton Park, home side Greerton Marist host Mount Maunganui. Both sides have also been hit hard by early season injuries and rep commitments.

Greerton Marist coach Kevin Lee says he is still experimenting with the team.

"We see this as another pre-season game in the lead up to the Baywide round. We can't wait to get on board with the Baywide competition in a couple of weeks."

Mount Maunganui coach Rodney Voullaire says their development system is working to cover a number of players injured or in Hong Kong with the Chiefs Development.

"We won't be taking Greerton lightly, but we will be fully focused on us," he said. "Looking to play a running game and we will see the return of some injured players," he said.

Heavy rain and lightning last Friday meant only half the games were played, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of teams at the start of the Under-20/U85kg Super 10s held at Papamoa.

Six teams kicked off their seasons with three games of 10-aside. Conditions should be ideal for tonight's round to be played under lights at Te Puna's Maramataga Park.

Neil Alton, Bay of Plenty Rugby's operations manager, says it was fantastic to see 70 plus young guys out there having a heap of fun.

"Having talked to players and coaches it was a really good start and the teams are keen for more," Alton said. "What was pleasing to see was young guys who did not have a club at the start of the night, turn up, have a game, and now they have a club and team to play for.

"That's what it's about, connecting young players and school leavers with clubs. There is no doubt that most of these guys would not have the opportunity to play without the Super 10s."

Western BOP

•Draws: Greerton v Mt Maunganui at Greerton Park; Tauranga Sports v Te Puna at Tauranga Domain; Rangataua v Te Puke at Te Ariki Park (Premiers at 2.45pm, Development at 1pm).

•Premiers points: Tauranga Sports 18, Mount Maunganui Sports 12, Te Puna 10, Greerton Marist 9, Te Puke Sports 8, Rangataua 0.