An early tilt at a highly sought after piece of silverware should be all the added motivation for two teams coming off first round losses in Western Bay of Plenty rugby.

Round two of the Western Bay premier grade sees Te Puna and Rangataua square off, with the winner set to lift the highly contested Gilly Bidois trophy at Maramatanga Park.

Both teams conceded losses in their opening matches, Te Puna 27-28 to Greerton and Rangataua 18-28 to Mount Maunganui, and will be looking to improve on these performances.

Since 2003, the two teams have battled it out in this traditional fixture to determine the holders of the Gilly Bidois trophy.

Traditionally the trophy is played for in a preseason fixture, but due to the early start of this year's competition, it was decided that it would be played for in their first encounter.

"Bidois was a passionate Te Puna rugby player in his time and a staunch supporter of Te Puna following his playing days,” says Te Puna player Aidan Kuka, speaking about Bidois and the importance of the Te Puna Rangataua rivalry.

'He especially enjoyed the Te Puna versus Rangataua game and regardless of the result he would enjoy the company of the Rangataua elders in the after match functions".

He further identifies the tradition and passion of the match saying the game is sure to be a war of attrition and no one will be leaving the sidelines until the final whistle.

Rangataua are the current holders of the Gilly Bidois trophy after producing a last gasp try in the closing minutes of last years fixture.

Te Puna coach Daniel Quate also recognises the importance of this weekend's match.

"[It is a] huge game for both teams after coming off losses in the first round. We were disappointed with the way we started the match last weekend, but I was pleased we showed enough fight to give ourselves a chance to win it at the end.

'Expecting a big step up in physicality this week due to what's at stake.”

Rangataua coach Murray Ririnui identifies the importance of defending the Gilly Bidois trophy.

'We need to improve on our game from last week. With our main focus on defending the trophy.

'Te Puna has a good team, but we are out there to retain it"

Across town Mount Maunganui host Te Puke sat Mount College, with the former's customary Blake Park off limits for the next couple of weeks. Te Puke fell to Tauranga 16-20 last week

The final match of the round sees Greerton Marist host Tauranga Sports.

This Saturday's draw:

Mount Maunganui v Te Puke Sports at Mount Maunganui College.

Te Puna v Rangataua at Maramatanga Park

Greerton v Tauranga Sports at Greerton

Development - 1pm

Premier - 2.45pm