It wasn't pretty but the Bay avoided the banana skin and managed to grind to a win against Counties-Manaukau. Despite looking dominant in the forwards in the first half, a few key errors meant we reached half-time with only a 13-10 lead. The second half started badly and it was soon 13-13 with Counties pressing. A turnover with Counties hot on attack was turned into a Bay try but the persistence and vision of Taniela Moa who found Toby Arnold to finish. Counties bombed a certain try and we were able to close out the game.

Bay of Plenty 20 (Tries: Perrin, Arnold. Cons: Waenga 2. Pens: Waenga 2) Counties-Manukau 13 (Try: Ta'auso. Con: Semple. Pens: Semple)