Rugby: Intriguing time in the race for playoff positions

Hora Hora's Rukuwai Waata shrugs off Otamatea halfback Mike Robinson. Photo/John Stone

Mid Northern and Old Boys Marist could stir up the hunt for play-off sports this weekend if they tip over Mid Western and Hora Hora respectively.

Even if one result went the supposed underdog's way it would still be enough to through a spanner in the works in the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier Competition.

With the first round of the Harding Shield done and dusted, and with only six games left in the Southern Districts Competitions, Hora Hora are still yet to be beaten, but, a couple of teams in recent weeks have come close.

Recently Hora Hora have been pushed 21-17 by Waipu and 24-21 by Otamatea, but still are yet to drop a game - with their only blip to their record being a 20-all draw with Wellsford nearly two months ago.

The last time Old Boys Marist and Hora Hora met was in mid-March at Whangarei Boys' High School, with Hora Hora winning 17-7, but since then both teams have improved.

If Hora Hora were to drop tomorrow's game, and second placed Wellsford complete a likely win over the struggling Hikurangi side, they will also drop their place at the head of the table.

If Mid Northern upset the ever-steady Mid Western side they could potentially jump from seventh to fourth, depending on other results.

If the scoreline, 15-13 to Mid Western, from last time the teams met is anything to go by then it is sure to be a doozey.

For Mid Western they need to win to stay in touch with the top two, and keep their chances of a home semi alive, otherwise they risk being caught up in the cluster of six teams fighting for two play-off spots.

In another club game of interest tomorrow, Otamatea will look to bounce back from their loss to Wellsford before the Harding Shield break when they host Kamo in Maungaturoto.

Otamatea currently sit fifth, by one point, so will be looking at adding another to Kamo's six game losing streak.

Meanwhile Waipu and the Western Sharks have plenty to play for as the fourth-placed Waipu need not underestimate the Dargaville side even though they sit second-to-last in the standings.