The second round of the Southern Districts premier grade starts tomorrow with the results just as difficult to pick as at the beginning of the season in this year's cut-throat competition.
Champions Mid Western take a one-point lead into the second round but will board the bus knowing that they can expect to meet a fired-up Mid Northern away after their surprise loss to Old Boys at Hukerenui last week.
Mid Northern have had an up and down season with shock home losses to the Sharks and Old Boys in recent weeks but it is hard to see the proud side meeting Mid Western with anything but their best.
Second-placed Wellsford have been travelling well in recent weeks and their match against the Western Sharks will be a test of how far they've come since they beat the Sharks by three points in their season opener at Dargaville. They should have the edge at their Centennial Park home but if the Sharks turn up to play it could be close.
Kamo are the current form team in the competition but meet another team hitting their straps in Old Boys. The Old Boys forwards matched Mid Northern last week and must step up again if they are to win bragging rights this season, after the first encounter between the two was drawn 15-all.
