In the words of a Matakana Island rugby follower, who was at the match-up between Matakana Island and Mount Maunganui in the Seeka KI Western BOP competition on Saturday, ‘It was the best game of rugby seen on the island for many a year.'

To add to the occasion, the Hardy Rosebowl (Western BOP Challenge Trophy) was also at stake.

The home team led by a solitary point 22-21 at the halfway break, with both sides trading points in the second spell.

The final score line of 39-34 to Matakana Island reflected a match that was up for grabs throughout the encounter.

The narrow victory resulted in Matakana Island retaining the Hardy Rosebowl, which they took from Judea the previous weekend.

The Katikati second XV, which was playing together for just the second time, showed some real determination, when they despatched Judea at Judea headquarters 28-8.

After holding a narrow 10-8 lead at the break, they cut loose in the second half to run in three further touchdowns.

A game of attrition took place at the Tauranga Domain where Tauranga Sports squeezed past Greerton Marist 11-9, with Rangiuru winning the local derby with Te Puke Sports 29-19.

Seeka KI Western BOP Competition Results April 2

Matakana Island 39 Mount Maunganui 34, Tauranga Sports 11 Greerton Marist 9, Rangiuru 29 Te Puke Sports 19, Katikati 26 Judea 8.