Mount Maunganui upped the ante in the Seeka KI Western BOP championship title race on Saturday when it swept aside the challenge from Judea at Maharaia Winiata Park.

With just two further rounds before the two top qualifiers battle out the Western Bay championship for the honour of lifting aloft the Combined Cup in triumph – Mount Maunganui made an emphatic statement with a big win over Judea at Judea headquarters.

The loyal Judea supporters could only watch as the Mount visitors put on a dominant performance to post a 76-12 win.

The bonus point victory extends the Mount position at the top of the points ledger by two points from season front-runner Matakana Island.

The curtain raiser at Moore Park between Katikati and Matakana Island was an absolute thriller that went down to the 82nd minute of the game.

Matakana held a narrow 9-7 lead at the halftime break, but trailed the home side with the clock ticking down.

In the last play of the game, a Matakana player crashed over to give the visitors a dramatic 22-21 victory.

Eastern Districts gave its loyal fans something to celebrate with a 22-12 success at Jamieson Oval against Rangiuru.

Arataki stayed in touch with the leaders with a narrow 14-8 win against Papamoa, with Tauranga Sports making a move up the table with a 26-3 win over Te Puke Sports in the curtain raiser at Murray Salt Stadium.

Seeka KI Western BOP Results May 28

Mount Maunganui 76 Judea 12, Matakana Island 22 Katikati 21, Eastern Districts 22 Rangiuru 12, Tauranga Sports 26 Te Puke Sports 3, Arataki 14 Papamoa 8.

Points Table

Mount Maunganui 45, Matakana Island 43, Arataki 38, Katikati 31. Tauranga Sports 31, Papamoa 26. Judea 21, Te Puke Sports 20, Eastern Districts 17, Greerton Marist 16, Rangiuru 9.