Central (Rotorua) laid down the gauntlet in the first game of the PGG Wrightson Sub-Union series, when they defeated Eastern Bay of Plenty under lights in Rotorua, on Wednesday (26 May 2010) evening

At stake in the 2010 series between the Eastern, Western and Central Sub-Unions is the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield, which has been the symbol of Bay of Plenty Sub-Union supremacy since 1927.

The opening half was a real battle, with the home side taking a reasonably narrow 8 nil lead into the break. Two further tries, and two additional two penalty goals from the boot of Sikeli Voranasu, resulted in Central taking out the encounter 19 nil.

The Central touchdowns were awarded to Curtis Van de Hayden and Siegfried Fisiihoi. Central must now sit on the sideline for a week, before meeting Western Bay of Plenty on the 9th June at Te Puke, in a game that could be the 2010 Te Hurunui Apanui decider

In the entrée to the main game, Central got past Eastern Bay in the Colts representative match-up. In what was a battle of attrition, the Central side appeared to have the game under control at the half time break with a 15-3 lead. The home sides tries were scored by Mike Martin, Leighton Simkins and Matt O”Connor.

However a fight back from the visitors in the second spell saw Tom Johnson cross for a try. The Rotorua representatives then dug in to defend their line, which resulted in Central taking out the game 15-8.

PGG Wrightson Sub-Union Series - Game One
Senior
Central 19 (Curtis Van de Hayden, Siegfried Fisiihoi tries; Sikeli Voranasu 3 pens) Eastern BOP 0.
Colts
Central 15 (Mike Martin, Leighton Simpkins, Matt O’Connor tries) Eastern BOP 8 (Tom Johnson try; Luke Henrison pen)

PGG Wrightson 2010 BOPRU Sub-Union Series
2 June - Eastern BOP v Western BOP @ Taneatua Domain (Taneatua Rugby Club)
9 June - Western BOP v Central BOP @ Murray Salt Stadium (Te Puke Sports)