With just three points separating the top three teams in the Seeka KI Western BOP championship – the scene is set for a race to lift aloft the Combined Cup in victory.

Mount Maunganui has made full use of bonus points in the local competition to sit just a solitary point behind Matakana Island.

While the Mount second XV has suffered one defeat, they continue to stay in touch with the unbeaten leader courtesy of the bonus points on offer each week.

On Saturday, they had a good test of their courage when archrivals Tauranga Sports paid a visit to Blake Park.

With the home side holding a narrow 12-10 lead at the break the match was up for grabs – before Mount Maunganui asserted some real pressure to take out the clash 31-15.

Matakana Island was always in control of its encounter with Rangiuru at Jamieson Oval.

Leading 52-nil at the halftime break, the visitors went on to take out the match 79-7. However, Rangiuru received some compensation when they crashed over for a try in the dying seconds of the game.

Arataki cemented its place in the top three, just two points behind Matakana Island with a solid 59-3 win over Te Puke Sports.

The former Baywide Division One champion has its sights firmly fixed on a return to Baywide rugby later in the season.

The real improver of the Western Bay competition is Judea.

While they lost their first three matches of the season, a draw and two victories have seen the team based at Maharaia Winiata Park, move steadily up the standings.

On Saturday they proved too strong for Papamoa at Judea headquarters.

While the first half was a battle of attrition, they upped the ante in the second half to post a 22-7 victory.

Eastern Districts was another team to make a move up the point's ladder.

Facing Greerton Marist at home at the Paengaroa Domain, ED proved too strong grabbing a 36-3 win.

Seeka KI Western BOP Results

Judea 22 Papamoa 7, Arataki 59 Te Puke Sports 3, Eastern Districts 36 Greerton Marist 3, Matakana Island 79 Rangiuru 7, Mount Maunganui 31 Tauranga Sports 15.

Points Table

Matakana Island 27, Mount Maunganui 26, Arataki 25, Katikati 20, Papamoa 18, Te Puke Sports 15, Tauranga Sports 13, Eastern Districts 13, Judea 11, Greerton Marist 6, Rangiuru 5.