Rugby: Heavyweights set to do battle for first time this year

Rotoiti's Joe Royal scores a try against Whaka during a match at Puarenga Park last year. Photo / Stephen Parker

It doesn't get much bigger than this when it comes to Rotorua club rugby.

Rotorua's two heavyweights Whakarewarewa and Rotoiti are set to do battle tomorrow, for the first time this year.

Both clubs are currently competing in the Central Bay of Plenty local round which includes Rotorua's six best rugby clubs. The competition is being held in the lead-up to the Baywide premier and first division competitions which start on May 2.

While it is the equivalent of a pre-season game tomorrow at Puarenga Park, Whaka and Rotoiti will both be treating it as an important match.

"We are looking forward to the occasion. We have enjoyed playing the other Rotorua teams and have treated those games as pre-season games in the build up to Rotoiti," Whaka coach Kopae Irihei said.

"Rotoiti will certainly be a hard game, but we are excited and we are looking forward to it. It should be an exciting game of rugby to watch."

The winner of the match will claim the Tai Mitchell Shield, currently held by Whaka, and will likely go on to win the Banner, which is awarded to the winner of the Central Bay of Plenty local round this year.

Both Rotoiti and Whaka have won their opening three matches in the Central Bay of Plenty competition.

A big match is also brewing tomorrow in the Eastern Bay where Te Teko and Whakatane Marist will do battle at Dunderdale Park, during the Eastern Bay of Plenty local round. It will likely determine the third Eastern Bay team to go through to the Baywide premier competition next month.

Te Teko coach Mike Pryor said it was an important game.

"I think our chances of winning are high with home turf advantage. I hope all our players are all back by this weekend," he said. "We would love to be the third team to go onto the Baywide competition ..."

This Saturday's draw

Central Bay of Plenty (2.30pm start):

Kahukura v Waikite, Kuirau Park; Marist St Michael's v Ngongotaha, Marist Park; Whakarewarewa v Rotoiti, Puarenga Park.

Eastern Bay of Plenty (2.30pm start):
Te Teko v Whakatane Marist, Dunderdale Park; Paroa v Poroporo, Lawson Park; Ruatoki v Opotiki, Tuhoe Park.

Western Bay of Plenty (2.45pm start):
Greerton v Mt Maunganui, Greerton Park; Tauranga Sports v Te Puna, Tauranga Domain; Rangataua v Te Puke, Te Ariki Park.