More than just crucial Bayfair Baywide competition points awaits the victor of this weekend's feature clash between Eastern Bay of Plenty heavyweights Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa.

Round Eight sees the two Eastern Bay sides lock horns at Emery Park keen on pushing for a spot in the playoffs as well as lifting the prized Tai Mitchell Shield.

Rotoiti will be looking for a win at home, following last weekend's win away against Te Puna, while Whakarewarewa will be searching for a win on the road and continue on from their 90-26 victory against Opotiki.

The home side currently sit in third spot on the premier ladder while Whakarewarewa are further back in sixth.

Rotoiti coach Dave McLean knows his side is in for another tough battle, despite Whakarewarewa yet to hit their 2014 form where they were beaten finalists.

'Whakarewarewa are hurting at the moment, they will be respected by us; however we will be looking for our next win and to retain the Tai Mitchell Shield,” says McLean.

Whakarewarewa coach Kopae Irihei says the side is looking forward to locking horns against its old rivals, and there is a lot at stake with both sides desperately needing points to make top four.

'Both teams coming off good wins so let's hope for a fine day Saturday to entertain our supporters,” says Irihei.

In other matches Mount Maunganui host Paroa, Opoitki are at home to Waikite, while Te Puna takes on Whakatane Marist, Tauranga Sports clashing with Greerton Marist, and Te Puke Sports hosting Rangataua in other clashes hosted in the Western Bay.

The Te Puna and Whakatane Marist match at Maramatanga Park has been cancelled due to a bereavement in the Te Puna Rugby Club.

Two sides looking to secure their spots in the top four come the business end of the Division One season are Arataki and Poroporo.

The pair clash this weekend in what should be a competitive and tightly contested match. Arataki edged past Ruatoki 31-27 last round while Poroporo didn't need to take the field with Ngongotaha defaulting.

Arataki coach Marty Bourke says this weekend is going to be another exciting challenge with Poroporo showing some good results recently.

He is happy with how the side has been tracking so far this season, but wants to see a complete performance put together coming towards the business end of the season.

Poroporo director of rugby Waata Heathcote says the side struggled at the start with up to 12 players out through injury, but are now running at about 90 per cent capacity.

'It has really helped us with the return of several of our experienced players. Along with our Fijian contingent, the mix is almost about right and as a result we have had some positive results in the last month.

'Arataki are going well and have had some great results hence there position on the table. However, our concentration right now is to bring a whole team performance together and once we do that the result will be positive.

Other matches see Katikati at home to Kahukura, Marist St Michael's hosting Ruatoki, Ngongotaha against Judea, Reporoa and Rangiuru clashing, and Te Teko home to Galatea.

This weekend will see Bayfair Baywide Women's competition round robin games finish up, with the competition's two unbeaten sides eager to retain their winning streak – Waikite and Tokoroa.

Tokoroa coach AJ Purnell is pleased the side came through a tough encounter last Friday night without any serious injuries.

'We are well aware of the experience and toughness in the Waikite side and acknowledges they're position at the top of the points table is deserved.

'Both teams are assured of at least a semi-final game next Sunday which will be a good reward for both teams consistency.”

Waikite's Eliza Stephens is relishing the chance to play Tokoroa boasting good structures and a strong, powerful pack.

'Our team have been performing well and is credit to the new coaches we have secured. They have played a huge factor in our performance and have taken the pressure off our player coaches.

'They have put in place good structures and have great management, which now allows us to focus on the game.”

This Saturday's draw:

Premier:

Mount Maunganui vs Paroa at Blake Park

Opotiki vs Waikite at Princess Street Reserve

Rotoiti vs Whakarewarewa at Emery Park

Tauranga vs Greerton Marist at Tauranga Domain

Te Puke Sports vs Rangataua at Murray Salt Stadium

Te Puna vs Whakatane Marist at Maramatanga Park

Kick off at 2.45pm

Premier Development Kick off at 1pm

Division 1:

Arataki vs Poroporo at Arataki Park

Katikati vs Kahukura at Moore Park

Marist St Michael's vs Ruatoki at Marist Park

Ngongotaha vs Judea at Ngongotaha Domain

Reporoa vs Rangiuru at Reporoa

Te Teko vs Galatea at Dunderdale Park

Kick off at 2.45pm

This Sunday's draw:

Women's Premier:

Te Whanau Apanui vs Arataki at Te Kaha

Waikite vs Tokoroa at Bellevue Road

Ngongotaha vs Tauranga Sports

Rotoiti vs Waimana at Emery Park

Kick off at 1pm