Ngongotaha Premier Men have been promoted to second on the competition table and into the 2020 Farmlands Central Bay of Plenty Premier Men's Final after a protest was successfully upheld last night.

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Competitions and Emergency Committee held an urgent meeting on September 1, 2020.

This came after receiving a complaint from the Central Bay of Plenty Rugby Sub Union Executive alleging that Rotoiti Sports and Community Association's Premier Men's team had played two players that were ineligible to play at two separate matches.

These matches were their round nine clash with Kahukura on August 22, and their round ten clash with Waikite on August 29.

A statement issued by Bay of Plenty Rugby union says considering written submissions from both parties, the Competitions and Emergency Committee upheld the complaints.

They sanctioned Rotoiti to the loss of their four competition points they gained from winning both of those fixtures, the statement says.

'The loss in competition points promotes Ngongotaha into second place and relegates Rotoiti to third place.

'With the format being a straight final for the top two teams, Whakarewarewa will now take on Ngongotaha for the final of the Farmlands Central Bay of Plenty Premier Men's competition this Saturday at Puarenga Park.”

The statement says given the sensitive time frames involved Rotoiti have until 10.00am to lodge any appeal in writing with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.