The first club rugby competition games of the of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Centennial year, kick off this Saturday (26 March 2011) in what should be perfect autumn conditions.

A number of local derbies will take place in the first round of the Baywide Premier competition. Waikite will mark their return to the Baywide Premier ranks, with a home game at Bellvue Road against long time rivals Rotoiti.

A decade ago Waikite were amongst the powerhouses of Bay of Plenty Club rugby, with victory in last years Division One final, returning the club to top echelon after several years absence.

The lakesiders from Rotoiti made the early running in last year’s Premier competiton, and were unluckily not to defeat Mount Maunganui in the semi-finals.

The Eastern Bay will also host a local match-up, with Whakatane Marist facing near neighbors Opotiki, at Rugby Park in Whakatane. Both Eastern Bay sides finished with a flourish last season, knocking over some high flyers in the later part of round two.

Defending Premier titleholders Tauranga Sports who have annexed an unprecedented last four Premier crowns, will not have an easy start to their season, when Te Puke Sports pay a visit to the Tauranga Domain. There is no more stronger rivalry in Western Bay rugby, than the meetings between the two Sports Clubs from Te Puke and Tauranga.

An extra edge to the Western Bay match-up between long time adversaries Te Puna and Rangataua, will be added to with the Jordan Cup (Western BOP Challenge Trophy) currently held by Rangataua, being put on the line. Home field advantage usually plays a big hand in the results between the two rivals, with Te Puna at home at Maramatanga Park, on the opening day of the new season.

Last years Baywide Premier beaten finalist Mount Maunganui, will need to be on top of their game when they host Rotorua heavyweight Whakarewarewa at Blake Park.

There is sure to be a large band of Katikati supporters on hand, when their team makes the long awaited return to Baywide rugby. The team from the extremities of the Western Bay of Plenty, will face Greerton Marist at Greerton Park in a Division One season opener.

Last season Div One runner-up Rangiuru will start their campaign hoping to go one better this season, and annex the second echelon title, when they meet Paroa at Jamieson Oval. Former Premier contender Kahukura is likely to have a good battle with near neighbors Marist St Michaels.

Reporoa will come to the city to face Ngongotaha, with Te Teko and Ruatoki meeting in an Eastern Bay derby at Te Teko headquarters at Dunderdale Park.

BOPRU Draws 26 March 2011
Premier (2.45pm)
Whakatane Marist v Opotiki, Rugby Park; Mount Maunganui v Whakarewarewa, Blake Park; Waikite v Rotoiti, Bellvue Road; Te Puna v Rangataua, Maramatanga Park; Tauranga Sports v Te Puke Sports, Tauranga Domain.

Division One (2.45pm)
Kahukura v Marist St Michaels, Kuirau Park; Rangiuru v Paroa, Jamieson Oval; Ngongotaha v Reporoa, Ngongotaha Domain; Greerton Marist v Katikati, Greerton Park; Te Teko v Ruatoki, Dunderdale Park.