They're typically the smallest blokes on the field but halfbacks are having the biggest influence after four rounds of Baywide club rugby.

Saturday's match between Whakarewarewa and Tauranga Sports even featured four of them, dotted throughout the backline, conducting their own mini game within a game.

The clear winner on points was Whakarewarewa No9 Chris Miller, the only halfback to stick in the position all game. He was a sniping, hunting menace for the Rotorua side as they skipped clear at the top of the Baywide table with a well-fought 24-14 win.

Close behind was teammate Akira Mako, a converted halfback playing on the wing where he picked up two tries, one of them after a sizzling break by Miller.

Not to be outdone, Tauranga Sports started with Steamers squad member Josh Hall at No9 and former Otago halfback Lewis Hancock at first-five, before Hall went to wing in the second spell and Hancock moved in a slot.

Hancock, 24, has come back home after five years in Otago with the former Otumoetai College pupil also showing adept goal-kicking.

Meanwhile, Rangataua's pocket wizard Ruki Tipuna has been up to his old tricks before he eyes another stint in Wellington. Tipuna was the key figure in his side's 16-6 win over Te Puke, kicking two penalties and running the ship expertly.

Over at Mount Maunganui things are a little more dire - a clear-case of the halves and halve-nots.

Mount played the curtain-raiser to the Chiefs-Crusaders match at Baypark on Friday night, sending Te Puna home with a 36-3 flogging, but their dramas behind the pack are almost defying belief.

First, 2010 Steamer Chad Tuoro departed for Te Puna, then Andy Lee left for Te Puke. Steven Wallace promptly retired, then Troye Elvin broke a bone in his hand. Last of all, former Hurricanes star Jason Spice was due to turn out for the club after returning from Wales but a lingering back injury has thrown that in doubt.

It was with  desperation that Mount coach Marty Bourke  settled on loose forward Regy Manu to plug the gap, impressed with his fitness  after a big summer of touch rugby.

"I've only ever played loosie or second-five, so I guess this is splitting the difference," Manu laughed. "I'll go anywhere I'm told, though I'm still not as fit as I could be for the position."

Miller's biggest switch wasn't a positional one, however, but rather an allegiance. He's the youngest of five brothers, all of whom have been fierce and loyal Waikite men, while his father, Mike snr, was a president of the club.

Turning out for Whakarewarewa was a deliberate step outside his comfort zone for the 20-year-old.

"I just got back from Australia and wanted to make a change for myself, to get out there and make my own name at a new club," Miller said. "I'll always have that Waikite affiliation but I'm pretty happy where I am these days.

"Dad's just happy to see me succeeding in rugby but I've been copping it pretty bad from my brothers."

The former Western Heights star has a trial for New Zealand under-20s in a couple of weeks and could be a bolter for Steamers selection if he maintains his form, which is being helped no end by a Whakarewarewa resurgence.

It was the Rotorua club's first win over the defending champions since 2007 and helped Central Bay clubs fill the first three spots on the Baywide table after four rounds.

Rotoiti, boosted by another 18-point haul from Sikeli Vorenasu against Whakatane Marist, are second on 13 points, six behind Whakarewarewa, while Waikite slipped into third on 12 points after a 20-20 draw with Opotiki.