The clash between Seeka KI Western Bay of Plenty competition leaders Katikati and Matakana Island in the weekend produced a hard fought battle that went down to the wire, with Matakana Island finally prevailing by a solitary point.

Katikati made the early running in the main attraction on Matakana Island, and led by 10 nil after the first quarter, with Richie Earl and Sione Na'a crashing over for a try apiece.

The home side fought back, with Ted Murray and John Webb dotting the ball down plus Hilton Gardiner kicking a conversion, which gave Matakana a narrow 12-10 lead at the break.

The second half was a real battle of attrition, with Richie Earl kicking Katikati to a 16-12 lead with the clock ticking down.

With two minutes to go, Matakana put together 19 continuous phases of play, before Ted Murray crossed for his second touchdown of the encounter.

The home side was under the pump as Katikati went on the attack, however the Matakana defence held together in the dying seconds of the game. A relieved Matakana Island side traipsed from the field extremely happy to have posted 17-16 victory.

The Katikati defeat left Arataki Black on top of the leader board after they ran riot over fellow teammates Arataki Red. Mau Tupou and Quinton Kinikini both bagged four tries apiece in their sides 94-25 win.

The Arataki Black 15 tries to five victory re-inked their credentials as the team to beat in the championship title race.

Mount Maunganui totally dominated their match-up with Rangataua posting 81 unanswered points. Papamoa moved into a share of second place running away from Te Puke Sports 58-3. Tauranga Sports also posted a big win when they defeated Judea 57-15, Eastern Districts won their first match of the season defeating Rangiuru 36-7, with Te Puna also grabbing their first win defeating Greerton Marist 37-25.

Seeka KI Western BOP Senior Results 28 April 2012

Eastern Districts 36 Rangiuru 7, Matakana Island 17 Katikati 16, Te Puna 37 Greerton Marist 25, Papamoa 58 Te Puke Sports 3, Mount Maunganui 81 Rangataua 0, Tauranga Sports 51 Judea 15, Arataki Black 94 Arataki Red 25.