A first round highlighted by close contests has hinted at a greater degree of parity in the Baywide premier rugby competition.

Three of the five contests were decided by seven points or less - including the closer than expected clash between Te Puke Sports and promoted Paroa at Murray Salt Stadium.

Te Puke Sports scored three tries to nil against a Paroa outfit that will be much the better for the close fought contest against the two-time defending champs.

The ITM Cup fixtures for 2013 have been released. Another slight tweak to the format with only one extra game squeezed into the 9 rounds - every team has to play a Wednesday night game and then back up at the weekend.

The chances of a first Bay of Plenty Ranfurly Shield Challenge since 2005 seem slight - maybe if Northland can take it in Week 1 and defend it until the final week when we travel up north.

The cross over games have been announced. We get to travel to Northland and Otago for away games (so no easy road trips) and we have Southland and Hawke's Bay to visit. The good news is that we can win back the title of "The Real Bay". No dates for games or a fixure list to see where we play the games against the other Premiership teams.

Canterbury slipped out of second gear for barely seven minutes but it was enough to repel Bay of Plenty 63-22 in Christchurch today to secure a home ITM Cup semi-final.

Needing a bonus-point win to lift them above Wellington on the points table, Canterbury duly obliged, thanks mostly to a withering spell just after halftime.

The home side led only 16-8 at the break, with Bay of Plenty surprisingly competitive despite serious set-piece issues.

But when the red and black machine kicked in, they skipped clear, opening up a 37-8 lead after 50mins and never looking back.