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Written by Bay of Plenty Times
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Monday, 07 August 2006 |
Drawn out
Less than a minute from time in Friday's narrow 11-6 loss to Wellington, Bay of Plenty were heading for just their third draw with the team from the capital. Cory Jane's last-gasp try ruined the chance to emulate the 1976 team (18-all in Wellington) and the 1989 team (9-9 in Rotorua). Wellington's 11 points was their lowest total since 2001's 14-11 loss.
Drawing a blank
There were a few puzzled looks over David Johnston's numberless jersey on the right wing for the Bay on Friday night _ but in the best traditions of Janet Jackson, officials were blaming wardrobe malfunction. The right wing jerseys were originally fitted out for Teu Nafe and Charles Baxter _ and when they were ruled out with injury, Johnston's larger frame proved decidedly un-seamly.
Drawn and quartered
What was with Wellington's tactics? As one wag pointed out, he'd seen more brains from the TV3 weathergirl than the entire Wellington backline on Friday night. Jimmy Gopperth had a shocker, and Jason Spice was decidedly rusty.
Drawing a debut
Te Puke centre Wayne Hughson made his first appearance for Bay of Plenty, getting on 16 minutes from the end. Apparently the 20-year-old player was a bundle of nerves before the match, but the big grin on his dial was a sure sign he didn't feel too out of place.
- Stats by BOPRU historian Brent Drabble.
With thanks to the Bay of Plenty Times
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