Western Heights High School's unbeaten run could become even sweeter if they are able to wrest the Te Kani Shield from Aquinas College this weekend.

This Saturday the two sides meet in Rotorua, with the home side riding high at the top of the Bethlehem Secondary Schools Competition.

Photo: File.

The side is current competition favourites, but the boys from Aquinas College have been showing their resilience throughout the season, effectively running the team on their own.

Now with Buck Taylor at the helm, Saturday will be the measure of the grit and determination that has seen Aquinas College perform as well as they have throughout the Chief's Trophy and start of the competition round.

Aquinas College has been a team struggling to deliverer their full potential, but will need to stand up if they want to hold onto the Te Kani Shield.

The Te Kani Shield is the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools equivalent of the Ranfurly Shield and is played for at all games contested by holder both home and away.

Aquinas snatched the historic trophy from holders Whakatane High School this time last year and are yet to relinquish it.

The side's captain Callum Hoare will need to lead his team well to combat the tough physical approach of the Western Heights High School team.

It will be a great battle of the back lines with James Wood of Aquinas College and Brad Munro of Western Heights High School heading the backline attack.

The match will be played at Western Heights High School, kicking off at 12pm.

In other clashes Te Whare Kura o Mauao School takes on Whakatane High School in Tauranga, while Trident High School travel to Otumoetai College who will be looking to bounce back after their loss last week to Te Wharekura O Ruatoki.

Opotiki College host the ever improving Bethlehem College. After their impressive win over Trident last week Opotiki College will be a handful for the Tauranga side Bethlehem College team.