Weather may dictate matches

Mount Maunganui's premier club rugby title credentials will receive a stern test this weekend coming up against a Greerton Marist outfit keen on proving competition spoilers.

The Mount find themselves top of the Bayfair Baywide Premier Club Rugby competition heading into Round 14 following last week's win against Te Puna and Te Puke Sports slipping up against Tauranga Sports.

Greerton Marist and Mount Maunganui's match may be shifted to Blake Park with Greerton's fields currently under water. Photo: Kendal Clement.

But the side has its work cut out with a dangerous Greerton Marist side fresh from a 39-17 victory against Rangiuru.

Mount Maunganui coach Rodney Voullaire feels Greerton are the most underrated team in the competition, something they are proving time and time again this season.

And while 10 of his side are taking in part in this week's Bay of Plenty Steamers trial, Voullaire is not shying away from the task saying the players are working harder than ever.

'We will be expecting a hard fought match as they will be wanting there full bag of points at home to secure a semi berth at the swimming hole. We will be happy to have the game at Blake Park if it gets flooded with the weather looking to turn this weekend,” says Voullaire.

'We always look forward to the challenge against Greerton. It is going to be a hard fought structured game of chess with coach Kane in the head seat. It's going to be a big game this one."

Recent heavy rain may see the game transferred to Blake Park with Greerton Marists' fields currently under water.

Greerton Marist coach Kane Parker says the Mount is not top of the table for nothing after a strong recruitment drive during the offseason – something which was always going to put them as the benchmark.

'With Rodney in his second year with Mount, he's got the boys going well. We expect the game is going to be difficult, and we hope our ground isn't flooded again so we can play at home this time,” says Parker.

This Saturday's draw:

Development 1pm

Premier 2.45pm

Mount Maunganui vs Greerton Marist at Greeton Park (decision made at 4pm Friday).

Whakarewarewa vs Tauranga at Puarenga Park.

Rotoiti vs Opotiki at Emery Park.

Te Puke vs Te Puna at Murray Salt Stadium

Rangiuru vs Rangataua at Centennial Park.

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