Rotorua victory keeps hopes for title alive | Rotorua Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Rotorua

Rotorua United have stayed in the title race for the WaiBop Federation League with a 2-0 win over Te Puke.

However, Claudeland Rovers nearly stumbled in their bid to keep the top spot after coming from behind for a narrow 2-1 win against Te Awamutu.

Rovers were favourites to take maximum points when they met Te Awamutu at the weekend. They had won the first encounter 5-0, they had home advantage and were on top of the WaiBop Federation League table, while Te Awamutu were in eleventh place and in danger of relegation. But Rovers had to come from behind for their 2-1 win.

Whakatane Town retained third place despite losing 1-0 to Taupo, Otorohanga were beaten 3-2 by Melville United, Otumoetai beat Tauranga Boys' College 3-0 while bottom of the table Hamilton Wanderers upset Ngaruawahia 2-1.

Claudeland Rovers coach Jim Keaney was a relieved man when the final whistle blew at Galloway Park.

"That was too close for comfort. Te Awamutu really played well and pushed us all the way. Without taking anything away from Te Awamutu our guys were still basking in the glory of last week's win over Whakatane. With two games to play it was a good wakeup call."

The Litt Park surface is atrocious, and as long as it stays in this condition spectators will continue to witness sub standard games like the Rotorua United Te Puke clash.

Neither side were able to master the hard bumpy ground which ended as a game that could best be described as a comedy of errors. United, thanks to two goals from Steve Turner led 2-0 at the break, but it could have been five or six as they dominated a Te Puke side who were bereft of any skills or game strategy. The second half was a ho-hum affair but while they didn't create any clear chances United were never in danger of losing. Turner along with Mark Hunt stood out for the visitors.

As usual there was a steady wind blowing down Fergusson Park and playing with the wind Otumoetai went ahead after 20 minutes through Daniel Miller. After a week of secondary school tournament play it would have been understandable if Tauranga Boys' had wilted in the second half, but although Darren Ward doubled the home teams lead in the 50th minute it was a late penalty by Miller that sealed the win. Russell Wakely and Jack Farey along with player of the day Daniel Miller were the best for Otumoetai.

Points table:

Claudelands Played 20 points 50, Rotorua (19) 47, Whakatane (19) 38, Tauranga Boys' (18) 32, Taupo (20) 31, Otorohanga (18) 29, Te Puke (20) 24, Otumoetai (20) 23, Ngaruawahia (20) 21, Melville (21) 21, Te Awamutu (19) 15, Hamilton (20) 11.

In Division 2 Ngongotaha beat Hamilton North 5-0.