Few match-ups in the Western Bay of Plenty, attract the local rugby fans attention than the Battle of the Bridge between Mount Maunganui and Tauranga Sports, in the Bartercard Baywide Premier championship.

Revenge is sure to be on the minds of Mount Maunganui on Saturday (30 April 2011), as they attempt to reverse the result of last years Baywide Premier Grand Final. In windswept conditions at the Tauranga Domain, the defending champions appeared in desperate trouble, with Mount Maunganui leading 10 nil at the break.

However the second half belonged to Tauranga Sports, who put their heads down in the awful conditions, and posted nineteen unanswered points to post a 19-10 victory. The Tauranga victory, was built upon playing the game in the Mount half during the second spell

With loyalty relatively unknown in the modern game - both teams’ head coaches wore the playing strip of the club that they now coach. Tauranga Sports mentor Mike Rogers was part of the defending champions forward pack  - while Mount’s Marty Bourke is in his second season in charge, after a number of years in the distinctive green and gold colours of Mount Maunganui.

Rotoiti who made the early running in last seasons first round, have made a similar start this year. A first up defeat (to Waikite) is the only stain on their ledger card, after the first five rounds. Sitting just three points behind competition leaders Whakarewarewa, the Rotorua lakesiders have a good chance to reinforce their standing when Rangataua pay a visit on Saturday. However Rangataua have a number of players with experience and real determination in their ranks, and won’t hand up a victory without a real fight.

Eastern Bay side Opotiki who went down by a solitary point to Mount Maunganui last weekend, will want to get their Baywide campaign back on track, when they travel to the Western Bay to square off against Te Puna. Opotiki forward leader Dean Elmiger, will being keeping a wary eye out for fellow Steamer Aiden Kuka, who takes a leading role in the Te Puna pack.

The formbook would suggest that Whakarewarewa, who have a three point advantage at the top of the points ladder should be too good for Whakatane Marist, however the Eastern Bay side play best with their backs to the wall. The game in Rotorua between Waikite and Te Puke Sports, will see the winner move into the top half of the points ladder.

The big improver in Division One is Katikati, who earned promotion the second echelon of Baywide rugby last season. While it took the side from one of the extremities of the Bay of Plenty Union until round four to post a victory, they backed up in the Easter break defeating Marist St Michaels. This Saturday they will have home ground advantage when Reporoa pay a visit.

Div One leaders Te Teko should prove too strong for Marist St Michaels in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Greerton Marist and Kahukura could battle to the wire at Greerton Park, a Eastern Bay local derby will take place between Ruatoki and Paroa, with Rangiuru verses Ngongotaha likely to be a close encounter.

In the Colts division, Eastern Bay newcomers Ruatoki will get a good opportunity to grab their first win when they meet Rotoiti at Emery Park. Judea who is another to return to age group rugby after several years’ absence, could trouble Whakarewarewa in Rotorua.

Defending champions Te Puke Sports should have little trouble with Waikite, while last seasons beaten finalist Tauranga Sports could have a good tussle with Marist St Michaels. Mount Maunganui will be favoured to beat Whakatane Marist, Opotiki should be too good for Edgecumbe, with Greerton Marist and Rangataua playing out a Western Bay local derby.

BOPRU Bartercard Baywide Draws 30 April 2011
Premier: Rotoiti v Rangataua, Emery Park; Whakarewarewa v Whakatane Marist, Puarenga Park; Mount Maunganui v Tauranga Sports, Blake Park; Waikite v Te Puke Sports, Bellvue Road; Te Puna v Opotiki, Maramatanga Park.

Premier Points Table
Whakarewarewa 20, Rotoiti 17, Tauranga Sports 16, Rangataua 14, Mount Maunganui 13, Waikite 12, Opotiki 10, Te Puke Sports 10, Te Puna 8, Whakatane Marist 1.

Division One: Katikati v Reporoa, Moore Park; Greerton Marist v Kahukura, Greerton Park; Ruatoki v Paroa, Tuhoe Park; Te Teko v Marist St Michaels, Dunderdale Park; Rangiuru v Ngongotaha, Jamieson Oval.

Colts (1pm) (Blue Section) Whakatane Marist v Mount Maunganui, Rugby Park; Rotoiti v Ruatoki, Emery Park; Waikite v Te Puke Sports; Te Puna the bye (Gold Section) Edgecumbe v Opotiki, Edgecumbe Domain; Marist St Michaels v Tauranga Sports, Marist Park; Whakarewarewa v Judea, Puarenga Park; Greerton Marist v Rangataua, Greerton Park.