The Northern Region rugby competitions wind up this weekend for four Bay of Plenty representative teams.

A long journey north, and a Sunday afternoon match, is the twin challenge that awaits the Bay of Plenty Development team. The match against Northland in Whangarei will give the Bay representatives their best, and last, opportunity to post a victory in the Northern Region competition this season.
While yet to post a win in the highly competitive second 15 championships, the local representatives have never given up the battle. Last weekend they led the Auckland Emerging players for much of the match, before succumbing 17-13.
An important role of the side coached by Steve Axtens is to provide cover for the Steamers. Several of the Steamers who are returning from injury have had a run in the development team before resuming their place in the top echelon squad.
While the Bay under 16 side were devastated to lose their Northern Region semi-final on count back after the scores were tied at 19 all, they are ready to finish their season with a flourish on Saturday.
Playing against North Harbour for third place in the championship, motivation will be provided by last week's disappointment and the desire to retain an otherwise unbeaten season record.
Counties Manukau at Pukekohe are the Bay of Plenty under 18 team's opposition. While defeated by the might of Auckland last Saturday, they showed their potential with two solid wins in the previous eight days. Victory over Counties would see the Bay finish near the top of the Northern Region points ladder.
Another big challenge awaits the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schoolgirls with a game against North Harbour in Northcote. While the side have struggled somewhat against the might of the larger Northern unions, they have never given up the fight.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Representative Draws
2 October
Bay of Plenty Steamers v Hawkes Bay, Rotorua International Stadium – 7.35pm
3 October
BOP U18 v Counties Manukau, Pukekohe – 12pm
BOP U16 – Northern Region Playoff v North Harbour, North Harbour
BOP Secondary Schoolgirls v North Harbour, Northcote RC – 2pm
4 October
BOP Development v Northland, Whangarei – 12pm