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McLeod's Steamers? Fish and Blue Chips? Fans face tough choices |
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Written by the clay spattered Fan in the Stand
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Wednesday, 13 September 2006 |
TO the repechage! Very appropriate after the pitch for Saturday's game looked more suitable for an Olympic rowing event.
At least the roof on the stand enticed some hardy souls to the game and all things considered - clay splattered clothing for example - it was a very enjoyable night. To make the repechage more interesting, the start times for these games are designed to catch the average fan out.
This Saturday's game is at Fish and Chip time and the following Friday we kick off just after the headlines on the TV news. The next Thursday we play Manawatu and the punters will have a terrible choice to make - rugby or McLeod's Daughters.
After lambasting the TMO last week, the Fan must now unreservedly apologise. All TMOs are fantastic human beings who perform a difficult job under trying circumstances. I fully back any decisions they make and so does Anthony Tahana.
The Fan is also sure that Ian Foster reads this column so from this week onwards, I am trying to subliminally plant the words ``Mike Delany, Chiefs first-five'' into his brain.
Mr Foster, if you are looking for a first-five who can kick for touch, kick goals, take a gap and run a backline then Delany is your man.
Unless, of course, you prefer the charge-down, kick-slicing, high-tackle option currently in place.
The key word for the Bay this week was ``intelligence''. This was the quality possessed by our boys in abundance on Saturday night, they chose a sensible game plan, they executed it well and a narrow victory was a just reward.
The kicking was generally excellent with two kicking options, plus occasionally Colin Bourke. Compare this performance with the fumbling and bumbling of the pre-season losses and I am hopeful of a quarterfinal spot.
Ironically, we must now face Counties-Manukau and Hawke's Bay who both defeated the Steamers a few weeks ago.
Counties are sure to fancy their chances at Fortress Blue Chip. They have been competitive all season including a good win over Southland.
The Fan in the Stand will no doubt be very nervous at kickoff as a loss will be the end of our quarterfinal hopes. Go the Bay.
Five more reasons to be cheerful this week.
Aleki is gone - but Pareanga is growing into the role.
In two weeks, we have proven we can play in wind and rain.
Three games unbeaten.
Nili Latu at his destructive non-stop best.
A cover on the stand.
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