And another thing ...
What is it with the matchday programme? A nice, glossy 24-page publication (sure, some of the spelling and grammar mightn't pass closer scrutiny) and sold at a reasonable $2 but where was any skerrick of information about future Bay games this season and ticketing outlets? Surely some in the paltry 3000-strong crowd might like to see another game. And don't even get us started on International Stadium's sick electronic scoreboard, which spluttered into life after halftime.

Forcing a homecoming
Big Manawatu prop David Te Moana had a pocket of Bay fans cheering for him - after all, the bloke nicknamed ``Big Dog'' was Opotiki-raised. Te Moana lived in the Eastern Bay until 2001, when he set sail for Australia, playing for the Gold Coast Breakers until this year when he turned out for the Western Force in Super 14. Te Moana, who also has whanau in Te Puna, played for the Bay under-19s in 2001.

Delany delivers
Mike Delany continued his point-scoring prowess, passing 50 points for the Steamers (his 18 points against Manawatu took him to 64 overall) and not missing any of his seven shots at goal. Delany's four early penalties gave the home side a comfortable buffer. Charles Baxter also passed 50 points with his two tries, while Jamie Nutbrown scored his first points for the Steamers.

Second half snooze
What's with Bay games in Rotorua? The Steamers were held scoreless in the second half of Saturday's match, with Manawatu winning those 40mins 7-0. But hold the phone - remember last year against North Harbour? Behind 19-8 at the break, we were also held scoreless as Harbour blew out to 41-8. And Northland in 2003 - a big first half had the Steamers 42-10 ahead ... they held off a fast-finishing Taniwha to win 42-27. Can we just save the pain and only play 40mins next time?
Stats by BOPRU Historian Brent Drabble.

With thanks to the Bay of Plenty Times