Finally the weather gods smiled on us and produced a corker of an afternoon. Regular Baypark visitors found themselves overdressed as they cautiously put on the extra layer required for the typical icy blasts.

A very healthy crowd turned up to witness the novelty of sunshine and they were treated to a free-flowing game that ended with the correct result. The Steamers must have been well prepared in the sheds as they started the game in a ruthlessly efficient way and put two tries on the Stags while they were still acclimatising.

When Toby Arnold crossed for the third try and his first for the Bay, he became the 18th different try scorer in the Blue and Gold this season. Those still to dot down include Jason Hona, John Pareanga and Luke Andrews so maybe the side can set a record this week.

When Taniela Moa crashed over for the bonus point try, irregular Bay fans might have considered the game over. However the Steamers have made a habit of conceding tries in pairs (think Otago, Wellington and Tasman) and the 22 point lead was swiftly trimmed by 14. The Fan adopted his usual viewing pattern – one eye on the play and one on the clock. The fact that the stadium clock was running a few minutes slow didn’t help the heart rate.

It may have been because of the heat of the day or it maybe our fast first half start but many of the Bay players looked exhausted and the bench had already been cleared. Fortunately we were able to tighten up the defence and record an excellent victory.

Taniela Moa has proved to be a key signing for the Bay as his fitness has improved. He has all the skills to play half-back in the modern game and is a constant menace for the opposition when he decides to run, usually with the ball held in one giant mitt. He and Colin Bourke have formed a superb partnership at the back of the scrum.

On reflection, the Fan believes that playing the Thursday night game this week is best for us. We can aim for the bonus point win over Northland and then watch the other games, cheering on the likes of Canterbury, Southland and Tasman. There should be no pressure as a Top Seven spot has been secured so we will be mixing it with the big boys in the Premier Division of the ITM Cup next year.

The Taniwha are a dangerous opponent with their running game especially if Rene Ranger is cleared to play and they will want to sign off their season with a home win. Not many Bay fans will be able to make the trip up and that is a shame as a weekend fixture would have been a great opportunity for a road trip. Go the Bay and make that semi-final!