Rugby: Crucial clashes as play-offs approach

Kamo is they have not won since round five on March 29. Pictured is Otamatea's Dan Hawkins scoring a try against Kamo. Photo / John Stone

Tomorrow's 11th round of the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier Competition could sort the men from the boys with crucial matches scheduled.

Every team has a shot at a play-off spot depending on results, and this weekend could see the first separation between teams.

There is a bit of a cluster ruck going on with 12 points spreading fourth to second-to-last. But that could change as all of those middle teams have tough clashes.

Kamo must win at home - and win well - against the dangerous Western Sharks or risk falling out of the play-off race.

Not helping , when they beat Mid Northern 38-27. Since then Hora Hora, Old Boys Marist, Wellsford, Mid Western and Waipu have beaten them.

If the second-to-last Sharks can win on the back of upsetting Old Boys Marist two weeks ago and scoring a bonus point last week against Wellsford, they will close the gap between them and the other contenders.

Other potential play-off deciders see Wellsford host Otamatea in a derby in Wellsford and Old Boys Marist host Mid Northern at Marist. The second-placed Wellsford side will be pushed by the well-structured Otamatea team who sit fourth, 13 points adrift from Wellsford.

Meanwhile, Old Boys Marist and Mid Northern's match will probably split the teams, who sit mid-table on 22 and 24 points respectively.

Sitting fourth equal going into tomorrow's round is Waipu who have the difficult task facing Hora Hora at home.

Hora Hora are the pick of the teams as they sit first, four points clear of Wellsford, but Waipu have been a bit of a surprise package this season.

Rounding out the weekend's matches, Mid Western host Hikurangi. Mid Western sit third and if they win and get a result to go their way all of a sudden they could host a semifinal.