A dramatic late comeback saw Mount Maunganui snatch a 34-all draw with Greerton Marist in their Baywide Premier clash at Greerton Park on Saturday.

Mount struck early, with hooker Taine Kolose crossing just 90 seconds into the match, but Greerton responded to control much of the opening spell and led 24-14 at halftime.

Greerton appeared set for victory at 34-24 with seven minutes remaining, before Mount surged back with two late tries. A missed conversion attempt denied the visitors victory as the match finished level.

Te Puke Sports secured a 25-17 win over Whakarewarewa in Rotorua, with Trent Ririnui named MVP after a strong performance. The result was summed up on social media as the Pirates “head home with the W” after a tough away fixture.

In the Eastern Bay, Ōpotiki claimed their first win of the season in dramatic fashion, edging Te Puna 22-20. A 40m dropped goal with one minute remaining sealed the victory after Te Puna had led by a single point late in the game.

Katikati dominated Arataki 59-31 to finish the first half of the Western Bay Championship season unbeaten. Sositeni Tautua’a scored a hat-trick, while Baylei Peckham and Weresili Suka added two tries each. Arataki’s Sione Vaka crossed twice in reply.

Judea continued their resurgence, securing a 15-7 win over Eastern Districts at Paengaroa Domain for their second victory of the season after starting the year with five straight losses.

Katikati lead the championship standings at the midway point, with Rangataua, Rangiuru and Arataki shaping as the leading contenders for playoff spots.

In other results, Te Puna, Greerton Marist and Te Puke Sports recorded wins in the Baywide Development grade, while Mount Maunganui and Tauranga Sports picked up victories in the Colts/U85kg competition.

Tauranga Sports remain holders of the Jordan Cup challenge trophy after successfully defending it through recent rounds.

-Content supplied by Tauranga sports writer Barry Leabourn