Sideline Sid Sports correspondent & historian www.sunlive.co.nz

The first trophy of the current Baywide rugby season will be decided on Saturday, with the completion of the premier qualifying rounds of play.

Twelve teams kicked off in the balmy days of mid-March in pursuit of the eight berths in the Baywide premier championship which commences at Queen's Birthday weekend.

But while the main focus has been on qualifying for the championship title race - there is a first round winner's trophy up for grabs.

Te Puna has made the front running during most of the qualifying competition, however, they were knocked off their perch at the top of the standings by defending champions Rangataua last weekend. 

The formbook would suggest that Western Bay premier heavyweights Tauranga Sports, who hit the lead with the Te Puna defeat, should take out the first Baywide prize of the season.

In the final qualifying stanza, Tauranga Sports play Paroa in the main attraction at the Tauranga Domain. With the Eastern Bay side looking destined for relegation to the premier two ranks, only the upset of the season, could deny Tauranga Sports the first round prize.

But there will be plenty of attention to the paid to the match-up at Maramataga Park between Te Puke Sports and Te Puna, who lurk in second and third spots on the point's ladder. Te Puke are the current Jordan Cup (WBOP Sub-Union Challenge Trophy) holders and will put the time-honored piece of silverware on the line, giving the encounter an extra edge.

At the other end of the premier qualifying competition - Paroa, Arataki, Whakatane Marist and Poroporo face the second half of the season in the premier two title race, along with the top four from the Division One first round. 

The promotion/relaxation format of the first rounds rewards consistent results, however it could mean that all three Eastern Bay of Plenty sides will drop down to the second echelon of Baywide rugby. But all is not lost for the Eastern Bay teams who can return to premier qualifying next year by making the top four in the premier two competition. 

One must spare a thought for Arataki, who have been competitive all season and lowered the colours of defending title holders Rangataua. With a little bit of luck they could have joined fellow Western Bay clubs in Tauranga and Te Puke Sports along with Te Puna, Mount Maunganui, Rangataua and Greerton Marist, in chasing the premier championship prize.

Papamoa could join Arataki in the premier two title chase if they win their last two match-ups in Division One. Currently sitting just off the pace in sixth position, they should easily account for cellar dwellers Katikati, in the extremities of the Western Bay this weekend.

The Papamoa progression, is likely to go down to the wire in a Western Bay of Plenty derby on Queens Birthday weekend. The Papamoa boys face Judea at Gordon Spratt Reserve in what should be a genuine must win encounter.

But Judea will be no walkover, with the Royal Blue and White brigade making the Division One championship final last year, which turned out to be an absolute thriller. The full-time score line of 13 points apiece against Te Teko, necessitated an extra twenty minutes, which was eventually won by the Eastern Bay of Plenty representatives.