Prior to the start of the 2008 Baywide Club competition the BOPRU Board of Directors decided to confirm Rotorua as the venue for the Bartercard Baywide Club Finals Day and the Steamers vs. Counties Air New Zealand Cup games which were both being held on the 9th August 2008.

This decision to predetermine the finals venue is a change to the current Baywide Club competition rules but the BOPRU Board felt it important that this decision was made prior to the start of the Baywide Club competition. In 2006 the club finals were held in Rotorua and the Steamers match was held in Tauranga. The feedback the Union received indicated this was not ideal as the travel in between meant that many were not able to attend both events.

Interim CEO Jeremy Curragh says “We are hopeful that this day will be a memorable day for all involved including, teams, and supporters. The Bartercard Baywide Finals are a fantastic event and a great culmination of 20 weeks of club rugby involving 36 clubs from throughout the Bay. The opportunity to have the Steamers fixture at the same venue is a good chance to showcase both levels of the game. This will potentially be the last opportunity to have this happen if changes to the structure of rugby in New Zealand occur”.

Supporters who attend the Bartercard Baywide Finals and want to watch the Steamers will be able to do so for $5 if they purchase a Baywide Finals ticket before 3pm on the day. For Steamers supporters they can purchase tickets starting from $10 with children $5.

Schedule Saturday 9th August

5.30pm  :  Air New Zealand Cup  :  Steamers vs. Counties  :  Rotorua International Stadium 1
3.00pm  :  Premier Final  :  Rangataua vs. Tauranga Sports   Rotorua International Stadium 1
2.30pm  :  Division One Final  :  Whakatane Marist vs. Te Puna  :  Rotorua International Stadium 2
1.00pm  :  Colts Final  :  Te Puna vs. Mount Maunganui  :  Rotorua International Stadium 1
12.45pm  :  Division Two Final  :  Paroa vs. Papamoa  :  Rotorua International Stadium 2
11.00am  :  Division Three Final   :  Eastern Districts vs. Ruatoki  :  Rotorua International Stadium 2
11.00am  :  Senior Reserve Final   :  Mt Maunganui vs. Tauranga Sports  :  Westbrook 1