Finals fling in Whakatane

A bumper day of Baywide Bayfair Rugby is set for Whakatane with six teams battling it out for finals supremacy.

Whakatane's Rugby Park plays host to three finals tomorrow; the Division One and Two finals, and the Senior Reserve final.

Judea against Arataki in Division Two this season.

Starting off the day is the senior reserve final between Tauranga Sports and Poroporo before the back-to-back divisional finals.

Tauranga Sports coach Eddie Coombs admits it has been a hard year in terms of player numbers, with the addition of the development grade this year.

'In saying that, the strength of character of our squad has shown through and we are here in the final now, looking for our third consecutive title,” says Coombs.

'As we are fare-welling a few old heads, we'd like to do so on a high. We're looking forward to the challenge against of playing away from home against Poroporo."

Popoporo coach Terrence Ranapia says the final gives the side one last chance to showcase its skills seen regularly this season.

Division two sees Ruatoki and Judea squaring off at 12.45pm as a curtain raiser to the division one final. It will be the first time the side meet each other this season.

Ruatoki's manager Rameka Tuhaka says they have had an 'awesome” season – resulting in a sole loss from 14 games.

'It was just before the quarters so was a good wake up call for the boys. Having won so many games this season is a bit of an historical moment for our club as we approach our centennial, we have never won so many games in one season,” says Tuhaka.

Judea coach Tamehana Heke says although they sides haven't met her has heard good things about their opponents.

'A couple of their players used to play for Judea, so we're looking forward to it. We've had a few wins in a row now and it will be good to come up against them,” says Heke.

In division one, Paroa take on Waikite and Paroa head coach George Harawira expects nothing less than a hard game to cap off the season.

'They've been flying under the radar for the last couple of weeks and have become pretty prominent,” says Harawira.

'To win away from home at Arataki last week took a big effort so we're hoping that they have used all their energy up there."

Waikite coach Charles Te Kowhai says the side has been training hard all week is looking forward to the challenge.

'Edorr to our supporters, see you all there on Saturday,” says Te Kowhai.

This Saturday, at Rugby Park in Whakatane, finals:

Senior Reserve at 12pm, field 2, Tauranga v Poroporo.

Division 2, at 12.45pm, field 1, Ruatoki v Judea.

Division 1, at 2.45pm, field 1, Paroa v Waikite.

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