Defence could be the key to the Otumoetai Eels coming away with victory in today‘s top of the table rugby league clash.

This afternoon the Eels host the undefeated Pacific Sharks at Mitchell Park in Round 5 of the Bay of Plenty/Coastline Premiership.

Otumoetai Eels taking on Pacific Sharks. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

The Sharks are far superior in the try scoring stakes, accumulating 234 points and conceding just 40 in the opening four matches.

The Eels have scored 85 and leaked 57, but with a 3-1 record they remain in second place, on six points, behind the unbeaten Sharks, and ahead of the Taupo Phoenix back in third on four points.

After three wins to open the season, the Eels fell to the Pikiao Warriors last weekend, 32-22.

But back on home soil, their second match at home, the Eels could produce a boilover.

Across town in the Bay of Plenty/Coastline Division One, the Papamoa Bulldogs will be looking to secure their first win of the season when they host Tauhara Te Maunga at the Gordon Spratt Reserve.

Both sides are lodged at the bottom of the table without a win.

It hasn't been pretty reading for the Bulldogs early on in the season losing 72-8 to the Forestland Falcons, 38-24 to the Putauaki Stags, 36-26 to the Putaruru Dragons, and 84-4 to the Whakatane/Taneatua warriors last weekend.

As part of a revamp New Zealand Rugby League revealed late last year the Coastline and Bay of Plenty districts would combine their competitions for this season, with the with the aim of improving the standard of the game at youth and senior levels.

The new set-up is the result of the Waikato/Coastline structure being scrapped due to Waikato clubs opting out of the NZRL's proposed wider competition.

Instead, the men's premier competition in the Bay next season will feature six teams - Pikiao, Ngongotaha, Pacific and Taupo (all from the Bay of Plenty District) plus Otumoetai and Putuaki (both Coastline).