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Battling Bay go down fighting |
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Written by Craig Tiriana
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Monday, 27 August 2007 |
THE blue-and-gold colours of the Bay of Plenty Steamers may just be developing a healthy green tinge.
Paula Asaeli, Kelly Haimona and Toby Arnold all made their Air New Zealand Cup debuts as the injury-ravaged Steamers recorded their fifth straight loss, falling to Otago 29-25 at Blue Chip Stadium on Saturday.
About 4500 faithful fans turned out for the occasion, which marked Steamers captain Ben Castle's 50th match for the Bay.
The remote chance of a playoff spot for the Steamers is gone - barring a sizeable miracle during the next five weeks - but there were glimpses during the round five match of a more competitive Bay of Plenty side.
Colin Bourke had a storming game at blindside, probably his best for two seasons.
The former New Zealand sevens and age-group representative was all over the paddock, scoring one of the three tries and filling in admirably at centre when Wayne Hughson, a late starter pressed into action because of the injuries to midfielders Cory Aporo and Rena Schuster, succumbed to his ongoing pubis injury in the second spell.
It was during this time the Bay, now with five first-choice backs unavailable and others limping, unveiled a backline that would have had the coach's sanity questioned six weeks ago.
Last season's back of the year, Jamie Nutbrown, was in his regular role at halfback but outside that it was a bizarre sight.
Haimona, who'd have to be the biggest pivot in the competition at about the 100kg mark, was at first-five, Mike Delany was out a spot with Bourke at centre while Charles Baxter and Lance McDonald, who started at fullback, were on the wings and Arnold at fullback.
The three new faces contributed well with Asaeli starting at second-five while the other two came on during the impressive second half resurgence by the winless Steamers.
Haimona, who turned 21 last month, made some mature decisions and showed nice touches at five eight while 19-year-old Arnold gave Bay the opportunity to get a bonus point when he pulled off a try-saving tackle when Otago threatened to kick away.
While it wasn't a win, Bourke felt the effort would give the side some much needed confidence as they head on the road to take on Tasman in Blenheim next weekend. ``Even though we lost we actually played all right instead of not playing to our potential. We've got something to build on.''
There were familiar problems, with the Bay once again enjoying the majority of possession but unable to bank the points with the wind at their backs.
Steamers head coach Kevin Schuler is still searching for his first win in charge but remains positive.
``They played with a lot of passion and played some smart rugby today, it was a huge change, it was our best game of the year in terms of a committed performance. We hate losing, we want that win, but this is part of the way to turning the corner.
``Mentally the guys stayed in the game and played rugby for 80. There were a lot of young guys, a few who weren't even in the squad at the start of the year, and they went out there and played rugby for the Bay.
``That's pretty warming for us.''
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