League: Finalists cool their heels with very little at stake

The regular season in the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League contest ends this weekend. Pictured is Ngongotaha's Scottie Thompson with the ball. PHhoto / Stephen Parker

Dead rubber is the best term to describe the final round of competition in the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League competition.

In both competitions - the premier and reserve grade - all four semifinal spots are already decided. Apart from a miracle, the order in which the top four sides will finish is also decided.

Pacific will finish top in the premier grade, while Reporoa will finish top in the reserve grade, as long as Reporoa doesn't lose by 100 points.

With semifinal spots already decided, it means this weekend will be a chance for some clubs to finish on a high, while others will build towards the playoffs.

Unfortunately, Central (Rotorua) will pick up the wooden spoon in the premier grade, while Turangi, Tauhara, and Putaruru will battle it out for the wooden spoon in the reserve grade.

Table (with one round remaining):
Premier: Pacific 24*, Pikiao 21, Ngongotaha 19, Taupo 16, Mangakino 11, Forestland 9, Central 6.
Reserve grade: Reporoa 24, Pacific 24*, Pikiao Snrs 18, Pikiao Res 16, Turangi 8, Tauhara 8, Putaruru 8.
*Points already added for the bye this weekend.

Bay of Plenty District Rugby League draw for tomorrow:
Premier (games 2.30pm): Ngongotaha v Mangakino,
Puketawhero Park; Central v Pikiao, Puketawhero Park; Taupo
v Forestland, Hickling Park; Pacific bye.
Reserve grade (games 1pm): Pikiao Snrs v Pikiao Res,
Puketawhero Park; Tauhara v Putaruru, Hickling Park; Turangi
v Reporoa, Turangi; Pacific bye.