One team that knows the real value of bonus points in the Bartercard Baywide Premier championship is Te Puna. While the side from the extremities of Tauranga City have won just one game, the four bonus points from the two other encounters, see Te Puna sitting in fourth equal position on the points table.

This Saturday (17 April 2010) the blue and black brigade, host one of the heavyweights of Baywide rugby in the past decade, when Whakarewarewa pay a visit to Maramatanga Park.

One of the real strengths of the Te Puna club is the family connection that brings outside talent to the club. One such player is Tajohn Malata who has played professional rugby in Australia. In each of the three games this season, he has touched the ball down for five points, including a double against Te Teko last weekend.

While it is just the start of the long haul towards the Premier playoffs in late July, Whakarewarewa find themselves in the unusual position, of being near the bottom of the point’s table. The Rotorua visitors will need no more motivation, when they run out to face Te Puna, than to be reminded where the team sits on the point’s ledger.

Tauranga Domain hosts the clash between two of the season unbeaten sides, with Tauranga Sports hosting Opotiki. Defending Baywide champions Tauranga Sports, who are chasing an unprecedented four successive Baywide crowns, have made a perfect start with three victories.

The surprise package of last seasons Baywide top echelon was Opotiki, who have continued with their run of form this season, notching two wins and a first up draw with Mount Maunganui. The Eastern Bay side possess one of the best kickers in Baywide Premier rugby, with Sam Howe able to slot points with his boot from anywhere on the paddock.

The third unbeaten team is Mount Maunganui who has two draws and a victory over Rotoiti at Emery Park on the ledger card. This weekend they meet Whakatane Marist who upset Whakarewarewa two weeks ago.

In other Premier action Te Puke Sports are at home to Te Teko, with Rotoiti and Rangataua squaring off at Emery Park.

The first big battle in Division One will be fought out at Bellvue Road, when Waikite host Rangiuru. Both teams who were amongst the Premier frontrunners a few seasons ago, have made an outstanding start to the rugby year. With unbeaten records going into the match, there will be early season disappointment for the loser of the encounter.

Ngongotaha who were another top echelon heavyweight in the past host Paroa, Marist St Michaels are at home to Reporoa, Greerton Marist clash with Kahukura with Arataki travelling to play Ruatoki at Tuhoe Park.
 
The three unbeaten teams in the Colts competition will be looking to improve their standings this weekend. Surprise competition leader (on aggregate) Greerton Marist travel to play Te Teko at Dunderdale Park. Defending champions Ngongotaha will make the short journey to play Rotoiti at Emery Park, with Te Puke Sports likely to be too good for Katikati.

BOPRU Bartercard Baywide Draws 17 April 2010
Premier (2.45pm) Rotoiti v Rangataua, Emery Park; Te Puke Sports v Te Teko, Murray Salt Stadium; Te Puna v Whakarewarewa, Maramatanga Park; Whakatane Marist v Mount Maunganui, Rugby Park; Tauranga Sports v Opotiki, Tauranga Domain.

Premier Points Table
Tauranga Sports 13, Opoti8ki 11, Rotoiti 11, Mount Maunganui 9, Te Puna 9, Whakatane Marist 6, Te Puke Sports 6, Te Teko 5, Whakarewarewa 5, Rangataua 3.

Division One (2.45pm) Waikite v Rangiuru, Bellvue Road; Marist St Michaels v Reporoa, Marist Park; Ngongotaha v Paroa, Ngongotaha Domain; Greerton Marist v Kahukura, Greerton Park; Ruatoki v Arataki, Tuhoe Park. 

Colts (1pm) Rotoiti v Ngongotaha, Emery Park; Tauranga Sports v Opotiki, Tauranga Domain; Te Puna v Whakarewarewa, Maramatanga Park; Whakatane Marist v Mount Maunganui, Rugby Park; Katikati v Te Puke Sports, Moore Park; Rangataua v Marist St Michaels, Te Ariki Park; Te Teko v Greerton Marist, Dunderdale Park.