Suddenly big Bay forwards were running hard and straight. Bourke and King were breaking the advantage line and Delany was plugging the corners like Jacko in the glory years. Northland kept trying to kick their way out of trouble but Retallick was having a superb game in the lineout and catching the restarts. The Bay moved into the lead courtesy of the reliable Delany boot and a scrappy Braid try. Braid is all action, always on the ball and the return of Latimer will cause the selection headache of fitting four great players into three starting spots.

Very late in the game, Northland finally realised that they had to run the ball to stand any chance and that caused a few late palpitations for the Bay faithful. It wasn’t a great performance overall but the Fan will take the win and hope for improvements.

The newcomers grew in stature as the game went on. Ben Smith did not get much ball in hand but secured the penalty to end the game. Junior Polu looked uncertain in the first half about whether to run and pass. After half-time he trusted his instincts, kicked and passed well and had one memorable run where four defenders were needed to drag him down. The mystery man Mark Burman was finally spotted in Bay colours. His contribution was to replace Retallick, miss a line out and then get himself yellow carded so I will reserve judgment on him for now. 

Well done to the Northland fans for turning out and for being so loud. They are a proud bunch and if they can find a big lock and sort out their line out they should pick up a few wins.

On Sunday we travel to Pukekohe to play Counties-Manukau, another of the provinces favoured for demotion. We will need our best structured game to limit their chances for open field running, especially the always dangerous recent All Black Lelia Masaga. Last season we walloped them and it would be good for our backs to get some ball and make use of it. Zar Lawrence could do with some confidence after his handling issues and Smith and Hona would also appreciate some space with ball in hand. It isn’t a long trip to make so the Fan hopes to see a few of you there in Bay colours.