While the race for the Bartercard Baywide Premier title still has three months to run, results on Saturday (1 May 2010) suggest that there will be a real dogfight to reach the semi-finals. Just four points separate the third to seventh placed sides, after six rounds of this seasons top echelon.

Defending champions Tauranga Sports had a real fight to retain their unbeaten season record, when they met near neighbours Rangataua at the Tauranga Domain. While Tauranga scored three tries to Steve Honey, Matt Hodson, Afai Esera to a double by Rangataua’s Ashley Mason, they just sneaked home 19-17.

Donald, Delany, Muliaina, Sivivatu, Masaga all injured and out of the backline, Leonard benched so only Kahui remains of the "fearsome" Chiefs attack. Good to see 5 Bay boys starting including Jason Hona with Luke Braid and Phil Burleigh onto the bench.

1. Sona Taumalolo, 2. Hika Elliot, 3. Nathan White, 4. Craig Clarke, 5. Culum Retallick, 6. Liam Messam (captain), 7. Tanerau Latimer, 8. Colin Bourke, 9. Junior Poluleuligaga, 10. Callum Bruce, 11. Jason Hona, 12. Jackson Willison, 13. Richard Kahui, 14. Dwayne Sweeney, 15. Tim Nanai-Williams

Reserves: 16. Aled de Malmanche/Vern Kamo, 17.Ben Afeaki, 18. Kevin O'Neill, 19. Luke Braid, 20. Brendon Leonard, 21. Trent Renata, 22. Phil Burleigh

It took Brett Mather 40mins to settle into Bay of Plenty rugby on Saturday but only another 15mins to show what he was capable of.

The former Highlanders centre and new Steamers signing shifted up on Wednesday, fronted up at Tauranga Sports training on Thursday and then found himself chucked into a passionate local derby against Mount Maunganui on Saturday.