The race for the Seeka KI Western BOP Championship heats up this Saturday with the three top contenders looking to consolidate their positions on the points standings.

Matakana Island will carry an unbeaten record and top spot on the points ladder into their match-up with Papamoa on the island today.

The two teams have a contrasting history – there is evidence of teams from Matakana Island have played over a century ago while Papamoa was formed within the last two decades.

Papamoa has slipped down the standings in the last couple of weeks and will want to provide an upset to keep their Baywide aspirations alive.

However, Matakana Island will be keen to defend the Hardy Rosebowl for the fourth time this season and retain its lead in the local competition.

Arataki, which won the Baywide Division One trophy just a few short years ago, is desperate to return to the Baywide elimination series later in the season.

They should cement their spot near the top of the points ladder when they play Greerton Marist at Grenada Park.

Mount Maunganui, which shares second place with Arataki, will be favoured to beat Te Puke Sports, although the Te Puke side has home ground advantage.

The surprise package has been Katikati, who have a backup to their Baywide side for the first time for a number of years.

There is likely to be a good-sized crowd on hand at Moore Park to watch the encounter with Eastern Districts.

The real improver in recent weeks has been Judea. The club that celebrated its centenary last season is a traditional slow starter.

Now that they have found the winning formulae again, they will be heavily favoured to prove too strong for Rangiuru at Maharaia Winiata Park.

Seeka KI Western BOP Draw

Te Puke Sports v Mount Maunganui, Murray Salt Stadium; Judea v Rangiuru, Maharaia Winiata Park (2.45pm) Katikati v Eastern Districts, Moore Park (2.45pm) Matakana Island v Papamoa, Matakana Island; Arataki v Greerton Marist, Grenada Park (2.45pm) Tauranga Sports the bye.

Points Table

Matakana Island 29, Mount Maunganui 25, Arataki 25, Katikati 20, Papamoa 18, Te Puke Sports 15, Tauranga Sports 13, Eastern Districts 13, Judea 12, Greerton Marist 6, Rangiuru 5.