The Seeka KI Western BOP Championship final played at the Tauranga Domain on Saturday lived up to expectations of a close contest which would go down to the wire.

Tauranga Sports, who had won home ground advantage by topping the qualifying competition, squared off against Katikati.

Tauranga Sports roared into the encounter, with the first touchdown of the match after just two minutes, with a further penalty goal to Dan Gules giving them an early 8 nil advantage.

Katikati kicker Gene Darvill then slotted a penalty goal, which resulted in Tauranga Sports taking an 8-3 advantage into the half time break.

The two sides then traded penalties before a Tauranga Sports dropped goal, which took then back to a narrow lead.

With ten minutes remaining in the battle for the Combined Cup, Nisisi Mafi touched the ball down for Katikati near the sideline, with some debate of whether he has scored with the referee going to the touch judge for confirmation.

The remaining minutes were a battle of attrition with Katikati holding on to clinch a 24-19 victory.

Next weekend will see a repeat of Saturday's action packed encounter, with the two Western Bay finalists meeting again, in the first round of the Merv Scholes trophy at Moore Park in Katikati.

Rangiuru club loyalty was on display in spades, in the Seeka KI Western Bay second round, when the Te Puke side travelled to play Matakana Island.

The Te Puke clubs All Black Tanerau Latimer took advantage of the Chiefs Super 15 break to turn out for his clubs second team.

Strengthened by the All Black and former Bay player Andrew Leota, Rangiuru proved too strong for the Islanders, posting a 36-15 win.

The local supporters were in awe of the visit of the All Black player, with Tanerau obliging with autographs and plenty of chat with the locals.

Papamoa threw down the gauntlet to the other Western Bay second round contenders, posting 30 unanswered points against Eastern Districts at the Paengaroa Domain.

Greerton Marist continued their resurgence with a 40-24 victory over Rangataua while Te Puna defeated Judea 12-3 at Maramatanga Park.

Seeka KI Western BOP Championship Final Result June 23, 2012

Katikati 24 Tauranga Sports 19

Seeka KI Western BOP Round Two 23 June Results

Rangiuru 36 Matakana Island 15, Papamoa 30 Eastern Districts 0, Te Puna 12 Judea 3, Greerton Marist 40 Rangataua 24.