With the playoffs fast approaching in the BOP Polytechnic Secondary Schools rugby competitions, the championship title contenders are making their presence felt with just two rounds remaining before the semi-finals.
Last Saturday, Western Heights High School continued their unbeaten run in the Division One title race. Facing Trident High, the Rotorua team ran in nine touchdowns on their way to a 61-15 victory.

However, it wasn't all one-way traffic with the Eastern Bay school never giving up the battle, with three Trident tries testifying to a never give-up attitude. Saturday's bonus point victory has ensured Western Heights a berth in the semi-finals.

Opotiki College cemented their position in second place when they posted four tries in a 25-12 victory against Bethlehem College. Reporoa College leapfrogged John Paul College into third with a hard fought 22-19 win over Te Puke, with Whakatane winning a old fashioned arm wrestle against JPC 3-nil.

The clash of Division Two is likely to take place in last round when Otumoetai and Mount Maunganui Colleges decide the top qualifier. On Saturday, both sides preserved unbeaten championship records with Mount Maunganui beating Katikati 23-8 and Otumoetai edging out Rotorua Boys 15-10.

The big mover in the last two weeks has been Tauhara College. The Taupo College has moved into fourth place on the points tally after defeating Rotorua Lakes 20-5.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary Schools First XV Results July 31
Division One
Western Heights HS 61 Trident HS 15, Whakatane HS 3 JPC 0, Opotiki College 25 Bethlehem College 12, Reporoa College 22 Te Puke HS 19.
Points Table
Western Heights 23, Opotiki 21, Reporoa 15, JPC 12, Bethlehem 7, Whakatane 4, Trident 4, Te Puke 2.

Division Two
Tauhara 20 Rotorua Lakes 5, Mount Maunganui 23 Katikati 8, Taupo Nui A Tia 64 Edgecumbe 0, Otumoetai 15 Rotorua BHS 10.
Points Table
Otumoetai 23, Mount Maunganui 22, Rotorua BHS 17, Tauhara 13, Edgecumbe 10, Rotorua Lakes 6, Taupo Nui A Tia 6, Katikati 4.