While the Western Bay of Plenty Premier and development competitions took an Easter holiday break, three games of WBOPRFS Division One took centre stage in local rugby on Saturday.

Photo: file.

Rangiuru have loyalty in spades instilled in their teams over the years, with many players remaining loyal to the red, white and blue uniform throughout their playing careers. The latest example of the passion for the Rangiuru jersey is Eru Pouwhare, who is turning out for the clubs premier team for the 20th successive season.

On Saturday, Rangiuru rebounded from the solitary point defeat inflicted by Katikati the previous week to win the Te Puke local derby against Eastern Districts at Centennial Park. In a game that was described as a return to traditional running rugby, Rangiuru led 17-7 at the half way stage of the match before going on to post a 44-7 win.

A battle of attrition took place at Moore Park in Katikati where the home side and Judea were unable to be separated at the end of the encounter, with the scoreboard showing a 20-all draw. Both teams are headed for the Baywide Division One championship and they will meet again to decide season bragging rights in the Division One title race.

Out on Matakana Island the home side made the most of their home ground advantage defeating Papamoa. The 38-17 score line reflected a step-up from the previous weekend's loss to Judea, with the Islanders likely to be extremely competitive when the Western Bay local competition kicks off in May.

The big match-up next Saturday will see Arataki, which sat out the bye on the weekend, square off with Rangiuru at Arataki headquarters at Grenada Park. Judea will travel to the Paengaroa Domain to play Eastern Districts while Papamoa will host Katikati at the Gordon Spratt Reserve.

WBOPRFS Division One results, April 4 April:

Matakana Island 38 Papamoa 17, Rangiuru 44 Eastern Districts 7, Katikati 20 Judea 20, Arataki the bye.

Points Table: Judea 7, Katikati 6, Rangiuru 6, Arataki 5, Matakana Island 5, Papamoa 0, Eastern Districts 0.

WBOPRFS Division One draw, April 11:

Arataki v Rangiuru, Grenada Park; Eastern Districts v Judea, Paengaroa Domain; Papamoa v Katikati, Gordon Spratt Reserve; Matakana Island the bye.