School rugby: Teams stake semi claims

This weekend will see the end of the 2015 Bethlehem Coachlines Secondary Schools competitions for many players and coaches. Photo / Thinkstock

The final weekend of regular season games will see teams vying for positions in the top four and the coveted home-ground advantage for the semifinals.

In division one, Te Whare Kura o Mauao will host Opotiki College at Hungaruru Park, Bethlehem. Opotiki will put the Te Kani Shield up for grabs in the last challenge of the season. Te Whare Kura o Mauao are top of the table due to a points differential, but a loss by either team will see them lose their semifinal home advantage.

In other division one matches, Otumoetai College play Aquinas College and Western Heights High School take on Bethlehem College. Both Otumoetai and Western Heights have secured themselves a semifinal spot, but know that a win could secure them a home match.

In division two action, the final make up of the top four will be determined by this weekend's games.

Taupo Nui a Tia, Katikati College and Mount Maunganui College are secure for semifinal spots, however the remaining spot will be contested between Te Puke High School and Tauranga Boys' College 3rd XV. Te Puke visit Mount Maunganui and Tauranga Boys' head to Rotorua to play Rotorua Boys' High School 3rd XV.

In the division three competition, there are still five teams in contention for a semifinal, which will certainly add to the excitement tomorrow for all the teams.

This weekend will see the end of the 2015 Bethlehem Coachlines Secondary Schools competitions for many players and coaches, as there are only semifinals and finals for the premier divisions remaining.

All First XV matches kick off at noon.

Super 8 rugby returns to Nicholson Field tomorrow when Tauranga Boys' College First and Second XVs take on traditional rivals Gisborne Boys' High School.

Tauranga are second from bottom on the First XV table, with one win against bottom-placed Napier Boys' from six games. Gisborne have not fared much better with two wins. The Second XV clash is at 10.30am.