Eastern Districts belied its place in the middle of the Seeka KI Western BOP rugby competition when it played joint competition leader Matakana Island on Saturday.

The visitors put up a spirited challenge with Matakana Island taking a 17-7 lead into the half time break.

A try apiece in the second spell resulted in Matakana Island taking out the encounter 22-15.

Matakana Island retained its unbeaten record this season and also retained the Hardy Rosebowl (Western BOP Challenge trophy) for the second successive match.

A further boost for Matakana was the news that Arataki and Judea had battled to a 10-all draw, at Maharaia Winiata Park.

The Arataki draw resulted in the island team drawing three points clear at the top of the Western BOP points ladder.

Papamoa continued its place near the top of the Western BOP competition when they won a hard fought contest with Tauranga Sports at the Gordon Spratt Reserve.

In a battle of attrition, Papamoa scored the only try of the match to take out the encounter 11-3.

Rangiuru was defeated by Greerton Marist 27-5 while Katikati ran away from Te Puke Sports 66-3.

Seeka KI Western BOP Competition Results April 16

Matakana Island 22 Eastern Districts 15, Greerton Marist 27 Rangiuru 5, Papamoa 11 Tauranga Sports 3, Katikati 66 Te Puke Sports 3, Judea 10 Arataki 10.