Battle of the Kaimais fires women’s rugby rivalry

Saturday’s Battle of the Kaimais will pit the Bay’s champion Rangataua against Waikato’s number one Melville. Photo: Chris James

Bay of Plenty's newly crowned women's rugby club champions Rangataua take centre stage this Saturday at Tauranga Domain, aiming to defend the honour of the Bay against old foe Waikato in the Battle of the Kaimais.

The newly-minted showdown is giving women players more high-level action following the completion of their regular club season by pitting the neighbouring unions' top five ranked teams against each other.

The resulting five matches packed into one day, along with gourmet food vendors and other activities, is expected to create a festival atmosphere for supporters at the domain.

Rangataua, 22-21 winners over Rangiuru in last Sunday's final, have earned the right to take on Waikato's champion outfit Melville in the major clash on the main field at 2:45.

Prior to that, Waimana, who finished fifth in the Bay competition, will meet Otorohanga while fourth-placed Whakarewarewa take on Southern United, both kicking off at 11:15.

At 1pm it's Waikite against University and runners up Rangiuru playing Hamilton Old Boys.

The two unions expect the Battle of the Kaimais to become a highly anticipated annual event, says Bay of Plenty's Women's Development Officer Lesley Elder.

'The championship is aiming to create strong links between the Bay of Plenty and Waikato women's club teams, alongside exposing the talent evident within women's rugby to a wider audience.”

The event will not only grow union and club loyalty and pride, Lesley says, but will also create a championship that every player will want to be part of.

'The championship will provide more women with exposure to a higher level of club rugby, and access to different playing opportunities. With this, the intent is to increase the value of internal provincial union club competitions due to more teams striving to compete at this event.”

The Battle of the Kaimais is this Saturday 4 August at Tauranga Domain, and entry is free.

Battle of the Kaimais draw:

11.15am: Whakarewarewa v Southern United and Waimana v Otorohanga

1.00pm: Waikite v University and Rangiuru v Hamilton Old Boys

2.45pm: Rangataua v Melville

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