Chris Noakes grew up within sight of the Sky Tower and has both parents and a brother still living in Auckland’s eastern suburbs.

Yet the former Kings College student will happily help try and further Auckland’s relegation worries in the ITM Cup Premiership on Saturday.

That’s because his Bay of Plenty side are equally desperate to turn around a three-match losing streak and get back to the form that had the Steamers leading the competition after four rounds.

Kiaora Kiaora. Well I hate losing but the CAA has had the last laugh.The charter was on then off then on then off then on and finally off. Our first plane was sweet then 2 pilots resigned on the same day. BUGGA. The 2nd plane was sweet then the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) made the company attend a compulsory course on the Saturday we wanted 2 fly. Holy ---- U've gotta b joking.

Then we were on to AIR NZ to cut us a deal for a schedule flight (44 people). As the TV programme says NO DEAL.Cheers AIR NZ. So here we are a charter with no plane.

So I'm really, really sorry Steamers fans we have had to pull the plug however in our never eva say die mantra, if circumstances change I'll bang the plug back in and try again in a heartbeat. I'm really sorry to let everyone down but at least we gave it a crack. Chins up Steamers fans see you all at baypark.   Love Hori BOP

PS    A big big thank you to Debra and Shane at TAURANGA HOUSE OF TRAVEL for their tireless efforts in trying to make this charter work.

Hawke’s Bay spoiled Bay of Plenty’s centenary celebrations with an emphatic 32-13 ITM Cup win in Rotorua tonight.

Bolstered by All Black flyers Zac Guildford and Israel Dagg, the Championship front-runners made a strong statement they’re looking for promotion into the top ranks next season.

Guildford and Dagg will jet off to South Africa to join the All Blacks Tri-Nations squad tomorrow after helping themselves to three of Hawke’s Bay’s four tries, haunting the home side with a classy display.

Tanerau Latimer is welcoming the added pressure as his table-topping Bay of Plenty team prepare to play Hawke’s Bay in Rotorua on Saturday.

The annual ITM Cup grudge match - already billed as the unofficial ‘Battle of the Bays’ - has been spiced further as the home union will celebrate their centenary with a festivity-filled weekend of celebration.

Five-test All Black flanker Latimer, who played his 60th provincial match in the 39-33 loss to Taranaki on Tuesday, wants his team to use the occasion to get their season back on track after two losses.