The first Ratana Rosebowl Challenge of the current season took place on Saturday when current holders Rangiuru squared off with Judea at Centennial Park in Te Puke.

Photo: file.

The Ratana Rosebowl was first presented by the Ratana Church in the 1920's and is seen as the prized equivalent of the Ranfurly Shield for Central North Island Maori Clubs.

In a game described as played in the true spirit of Ratana Rosebowl rugby, with penalty goal attempts turned down to run the ball, Rangiuru came from behind at half time to prevail 17-14.

Judea took it up to the Rosebowl holders from the opening whistle and led 14-10 at half time, courtesy of two converted tries. Rangiuru came back in the second spell with their third touchdown, which was converted by Ngatai Kingi.

Two Rangiuru veterans in Eru Powhare and Mikaeri Whareaorere, who are in their 20th and 19th season respectively of Ratana Rosebowl rugby, scored a try apiece, with Huston Jacobs also dotting down.

Right on full time Judea made a concerted charge on the try line, but the Rangiuru defence held firm, with Rangiuru holding onto the prestigious Maori rugby prize by a narrow three point margin. Rangiuru will defend the Ratana Rosebowl in two weeks time when Rangataua pay a visit to Centennial Park.

Western Bay of Plenty will have an additional team in next seasons Division One competition, after Papamoa won the Baywide Division Two title at Gordon Spratt Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

In what was described as an epic battle, Papamoa defeated Eastern Bay of Plenty visitors Waimana in one of the lowest scores ever posted in a Baywide title decider. Papamoa led 5-3 at the half time break courtesy of a try to a Waimana penalty goal.

In spite of determined attacks from both sides in the second half, neither side could breech the opposition defensive lines to score any points with the scoreboard showing a 5-3 win to Papamoa at the referee's final whistle.

The Division Two and Reserve Grade Finals on Saturday wrapped up the 2015 Bay of Plenty Rugby club season, with four of the five Baywide Championships won by Western Bay of Plenty teams.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Results, August 1:

Ratana Rosebowl: Rangiuru 17 Judea 14

Bayfair Baywide Division Two Final: Papamoa 5 Waimana 3

Baywide Senior Reserve Final: Poroporo 16 Ngongotaha 13