Mount Maunganui wrapped up the Seeka KI Western BOP first round title at the weekend when they defeated Katikati in a real battle of attrition at Blake Park.

A determined Mount side, was rewarded with the Gilbey Cup as first round winners, when they repelled the challenge of Katikati 15-nil, after a battle royal at Blake Park.

The Mount finished as top qualifier to give them the home ground advantage at Blake Park next weekend when the Seeka KI Western BOP Championship is fought out.

The upset of the weekend came at the Paengaroa Domain when Eastern Districts came from well down the points ladder to defeat Arataki 12-10.

There was plenty of delight from the teams who will contest the Western Bay second round. Eastern Districts relieved Arataki of the Hardy Rosebowl and will take the challenge prize into the second tier competition.

Matakana Island will be the Mount Maunganui opponents in the race of the Combined Cup next Saturday. At the weekend they re-inked their second place in the Western Bay competition with a seven try 39-14 victory over Greerton Marist at Greerton Park.

Every year injury to team members plays a part in the return to the field of play of (supposedly) long retired players. On Saturday, Matakana President Mark (Baldy) Ngatai celebrated his call to duty with a try, which was roundly applauded by both sides.

Papamoa, which will hope that ED will still have the Hardy Rosebowl when the two sides meet in the comings weeks, warmed up for the second round, blitzing Te Puke Sports 41-nil with Tauranga Sports getting past Judea.

Seeka KI Western BOP Results June 18

Mount Maunganui 15 Katikati 0, Eastern Districts 12 Arataki 10, Matakana Island 39 Greerton Marist 14, Papamoa 41 Te Puke Sports 0, Tauranga Sports defeated Judea.

Seeka KI Western BOP Championship Points Table (Final)

Mount Maunganui 57, Matakana Island 53, Arataki 47, Tauranga Sports 41, Papamoa 40, Katikati 34, Judea 27, Eastern Districts 25, Te Puke Sports 20, Greerton Marist 17, Rangiuru 13.