After a slow start Rotoiti is the Eastern Bay of Plenty's shining light in the early stages of the Bayfair Baywide Premier Rugby Competition.

Heading into Round Seven, Rotoiti sit in third spot behind the unbeaten Tauranga Sports and Te Puke Sports, and one point ahead of defending champions Mount Maunganui. Their closest Eastern Bay side is Whakarewarewa in seventh.

Rotoiti in action against Tauranga Sports at the Tauranga Domain. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Though they face another stern test travelling to Te Puna who will be looking for another win following last weekend's win away against Opotiki.

Te Puna coach Daniel Quate says the side is coming off a good performance against Opotiki, halting a string of losses to Tauranga Sports, Te Puke Sports and Mount Maunganui.

But this week will be another tough ask after the Eastern Bay side bounced back from two defeats to beat Mount Maunganui, Opotiki and Whakatane Marist in successive weeks.

'I think both teams are reasonably similar, neither will shy away from the confrontational areas of the game and weather permitting like to use a bit of width on attack,” says Quate.

'That should make for an exciting game and hopefully we can put forward a performance our supporters can be proud of.”

Rotoiti captain Jo Royal knows little about the opposition's season so far this year, but the side can't get complacent.

He says the side, sitting in fourth spot, still has room to improve.

'They have had the upper hand over us for the last couple of years, so it would be nice to turn the tables and walk away with the win,” says Royal.

In other matches Paroa host Te Puke Sports, Rangataua is at home to competition frontrunners Tauranga Sports, Mount Maunganui travels to Waikite, Whakarewarewa clashes with Opotiki, and Whakatane Marist hosts Greerton Marist.

In Division One, Te Teko and Katikati are both tied for points, sitting second equal on the table.

Meaning both teams will be wanting to secure their position in the top four, setting up what should be a competitive and tightly contested match.

Te Teko coach Mike Pryor says following a couple of losses the side have had a chance to re-gather, to focus on their own game plan – resulting in last weekend's win.

'We have a young and fit team, and will look to play an expansive game this weekend. Quick ball and quick hands will be key to implementing this, and walking away with a win.

'We are looking forward to the game this weekend, and coming away with a win will allow us to sit a little more comfortably on the table.”

He says as like other weeks the focus is on doing the basics well and preparing well during the week.

'If all this is done well then hopefully the result will be in our favour, but results are not that critical at this stage it's more the processes and the team playing well collectively.”

Their opposition, Katikati, have had a number of solid wins thus far where their set piece defence has remained structured and controlled.

Katikati will continue to focus on their tackling accuracy in what will be their first big test to see how they are tracking against the Eastern Bay's number one side.

Other matches of the round have Galatea hosting Judea, Kahukura at home to Reporoa, Poroporo clashing with Ngongotaha, Marist St Michael's away to Rangiuru, and Ruatoki at home to Arataki.

With just two rounds remaining in the women's competition before the play offs competition newbies Tokoroa and Ngongotaha clash.

Tokoroa remain unbeaten to date, sitting second on the table while Ngongotaha are fifth on the table, but are still in contention for the top four.

Tokoroa coach AJ Purnell believes both teams are capable of taking a win with a mixture of experience and youth in their squads.

He says his side's development is tracking well and would welcome back some key players from the injured list heading into the playoff phase of the competition.

'This week's game has the added challenge of having valuable competition points on the line as the chase for the top four spots are on the line as well. Both teams are looking forward to the game being played under lights tonight and as always before an appreciative crowd in Tokoroa.”

Ngongotaha captain Tamahau Palmer says the side is yet to produce a consistent 80 minute performance both on attack and defence.

'We need to be patient during attack, sticking to our game plan and defensive patterns will be the key for us to getting a win away from home.

'Tokoroa haven't lost a game yet, and playing them at home won't be easy, our head coach Joby Reid spoke about the girls' effort and heart is what's keeping the team ticking away. Another season under their belts would do them great.”

The game is being played at Tokoroa 7 tonight.

This Saturday's draw:

Premier:

Paroa vs Te Puke Sports at Lawson Park

Rangataua vs Tauranga Sports at Te Ariki Park

Te Puna vs Rotoiti at Maramatanga Park

Waikite vs Mount Maunganui at Bellevue Road

Whakarewarewa vs Opotiki at Puarenga Park

Whakatane Marist vs Greerton Marist at Rugby Park

Kick off at 2.45pm

Premier Development Kick off at 1pm

Division 1:

Galatea vs Judea at Galatea Domain

Kahukura vs Reporoa at Kuirau Park

Poroporo vs Ngongotaha at Poroporo Park

Rangiuru vs Marist St Michael's at Centenial Park

Ruatoki vs Arataki at Tuhoe Park

Te Teko vs Katikati at Dunderdale Park

Kick off at 2.45pm

This Sunday's draw:

Women's Premier:

Tauranga Sports vs Te Whanau Apanui at Tauranga Domain

Rotoiti vs Arataki at Emery Park

Waimana vs Waikite at Waimana Domain

Kick off at 1pm