While it is early days in the Seeka KI Western Bay of Plenty Rugby championship, the Western Bay challenge prize of the Hardy Rosebowl, keeps plenty of interest in the week by week run to the championship title.

Last season, Judea started the Western Bay competition with the Hardy Rosebowl, only to lose it in the first match of the season against Matakana Island.

Late last season Judea regained the challenge prize and took it into the current season. In round one Judea retained the Hardy Rosebowl defeating Te Puna 26 nil. Today they will meet Rangataua at Judea headquarters at Maharaia Winiata Park.

Arataki Black laid down the challenge to the other championship contenders, when they beat 2011 Western Bay champions Matakana Island on the Island, in the opening round of the new season.

In what was described as one of the best games seen on the Island in recent years, the Grenada Park based side defeated the home side 44-26. This week Arataki Black are at home for the first time, against Eastern Districts.

Baywide Reserve Grade champions Mount Maunganui, who were another team to start with a victory, should post a second successive win when Te Puna visits Blake Park.

Katikati, who have dropped back to the local competition from the Baywide ranks, could have a good tussle with Greerton Marist.

Matakana Island is home to Papamoa, Tauranga Sports visit Te Puke Sports headquarters with Arataki Red playing Rangiuru in the curtain-raiser at Grenada Park.

Seeka KI Western BOP Senior Draw 31 March 2012 (1pm unless specified):

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