The top of the table clash in the Seeka KI Western BOP competition between Mount Maunganui and Matakana Island lived up to its heightened billing when the two sides met on Matakana Island at the weekend.

Mount Maunganui led Matakana Island by a solitary point on the standings entering the encounter with both teams desperate to take points from the game.

In what was a forward orientated battle, Mount Maunganui made the early running and led 16-3 at the halftime break.

However, the home side players put their heads down and came back into the match to trail 23-10.

A successful Matakana penalty goal closed the gap a little with the match finishing with Mount Maunganui taking the hard fought encounter 23-13.

Not only did Mount Maunganui take bragging rights from the match, but they should also have the home ground advantage with the two sides likely to do it all again in the Western Bay of Plenty Championship final in two weeks time.

Another hard fought battle took place when Arataki beat Katikati in a real arm wrestle.

The final score of 12-10 to Arataki reflected a match where there was little between the two sides throughout the contest.

Arataki retained the Hardy Rosebowl (Western BOP Challenge Trophy), which is on the line each week of the regular Western BOP competition.

Tauranga Sports posted a solid 64-14 victory against Rangiuru, with Judea having to work hard to get past Greerton Marist 19-12.

Seeka KI Western BOP Results June 11

Arataki 12 Katikati 10, Mount Maunganui 23 Matakana Island 13, Judea 19 Greerton Marist 12. Tauranga Sports 65 Rangiuru 14.

Points Table

Mount Maunganui 53, Matakana Island 48, Arataki 42, Katikati 34, Tauranga Sports 37, Papamoa 34, Judea 27, Eastern Districts 21, Te Puke Sports 20, Greerton Marist 17, Rangiuru 9.