The major emphasis in round eight of the Bayfair Baywide Premier competition tomorrow will be on the scramble to make the third and fourth places in the play-offs.
With four rounds to play, Tauranga Sports (35 points) and Te Puke Sports (32) look assured of hosting semifinals next month but there is a battle royal going on for the last two spots between Rotoiti (26), Mount Maunganui (25), Greerton Marist (21) and Whakarewarewa (20).
The local derby in Rotorua between Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa is the highlight of tomorrow's round, with the winner making a key move to one of those spots. Greerton Marist will need to beat Tauranga Sports at Tauranga Domain which no other team has come close to doing so this season. But Greerton have the talent in their backline to cut any opposition to shreds and an improving forward pack, so they will have as good a starter's chance as anyone.
With 50-plus players involved in an intense, physical Steamers trial on a freezing night in Rotorua on Wednesday, much will depend on how the players recover in time to be at their best again tomorrow. One player missing from action will be promising young Greerton Marist forward Luke Schuler who suffered what looked a serious ankle injury during the trial game.
In division one, Rangiuru lead with 29 points, ahead of Te Teko (26), Kahukura (25), Arataki (24), Katikati (21) and Poroporo (21). Arataki need to win against Poroporo at their home Grenada Park to keep their top four hopes alive.
