The Bay’s narrow victory over Counties-Manukau showed how a half of rugby is never over until the referee calls it. In both halves, the best work of the Bay was saved for the period after the clock passed 40 minutes.

In the first half, the Bay bumbled their way to a 14-0 deficit into the wind. There were too many penalties conceded, too many balls dropped and the Fan wanted half-time to arrive and an inspired team talk. The late try was a huge bonus as it was definitely more than a “seven point wind”. 

More pressure at the start of the second half, a try to Moa, a penalty soon after and we were 17-14 ahead. With a strong wind at our backs all we needed to do was drive Counties back into their own 22 and wait for mistakes. But penalties were missed and Luke Andrews’ domination of the line-out was wasted.

The Fan felt the danger growing and sure enough Counties-Manukau constructed a very good try. The Bottom Seven of the ITM Cup had its arms wide open to welcome us. Just as it appeared that Counties would play keep-ball for the rest of the game, a penalty was awarded to the Bay and a couple more infringements led to a quick tap and Mike Delany dotting down.

The Fan is happy to take the win and even felt a little sorry for Counties-Manukau as they played a solid game and smashed us in the forwards at times. Unfortunately it appears there isn’t room in the Top Seven for both provinces and our victory may prove very significant in a few weeks.

Lelia Masaga is delivering what we wanted when he was signed - tries. Six already in eight ITM Cup games which is already the highest for the Bay since Anthony Tahana bagged seven NPC tries back in 2004. Masaga’s try against Counties was conjured from nothing as a packed defensive line was side-stepped with ridiculous ease. 

The Fan wonders about the length of time taken to complete a scrum. Front rows are allowed to stand up after forming, walk around, collapse, reset, collapse again, walk around again and a few minutes later the ball is back in play. It was ironic that the referee took time to lecture the Counties pack about wasting time at the scrum - while the clock was still running. Should rugby go the way of rugby league and stop the clock until the ball is put in?

Friday night demands that you visit Rotorua International Stadium to support the Bay as they try to humble lowly Otago. This is potentially the easiest game of our run-in and a bonus point victory would set us up for the visit to Wellington where a win would put us into semi-final contention.