Tauranga tie in Tai Mitchell

A rampant Tauranga West has its sights firmly set on dishing out some revenge when it squares off against its intercity rival Tauranga East in the 2015 Tai Mitchell final.

The boys from the West remain the only unbeaten team, heading into the final day of the annual tournament at Whakatane's Rugby Park.


Tauranga East celebrate making the 2015 Tai Mitchell final in Whakatane. Photo: Bay of Plenty Rugby.

From its opening day 64-0 defeat of Te Puke, Tauranga West have blitzed everyone in its path; 43-0 against Rangataiki, 77-0 over Te Whanau a Apanui, 82-0 over Rotorua Gold, 94-7 against Whakatane and 43-5 against Rotorua Gold again.

Giving them the firm favourites tag against Tauranga East – a re-match of the 2014 edition.

In 2014, Tauranga East survived a late comeback from its intercity rivals to lift the Tai Mitchell Shield 25-24 – seeing the shield shift hands between the two finalists with Tauranga West winning the 2013 edition.

Tauranga East has suffered two defeats so far this tournament, a 14-7 loss to Te Puke and a 26-24 loss to Rotorua Gold, coupled with wins against Whakatane 50-0, 43-5 over Rangataiki, 47-17 against Te Whanau a Apanui, and 21-17 win against Rotorua Maroon.

In other finals day matches, Te Puke and Rangitaiki square off, Opotiki takes on Galatea Field, an all Rotorua affair with Rotorua Gold and Rotorua Maroon looking to come away with bragging rights, and Te Whanau a Apanui against Whakatane.

Dating back to its inception in 1938, a total of 10 teams have been contesting for the title; defending champions Tauranga East, Rotorua Maroon, Apanui, Te Puke, Whakatane, Rotorua Gold, Tauranga West, Opotiki, Rangitaiki and Galatea.

The original Tai Mitchell Shield was presented by Henry Taiporutu Mitchell in 1938, for competition among the primary school teams representing the Bay of Plenty Rugby Sub-unions. Mitchell was a renowned Rotorua sports administrator and a supporter of all codes.

The tournament doubles as a trial for the Bay of Plenty Roller Mills team, which will represent the province at the northern regional tournament against Sides from Northland, Auckland, Thames Valley, King Country, Waikato and North Harbour.

The 2015 Tai Mitchell finals days kicked off at 9.30am with the final starting at 12.15pm.

For a full list of the draw click here.

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