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Written by the Review-minded Fan in the Stand
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Thursday, 29 October 2009 |
Sunday’s defeat was symptomatic of the Bay season, a roaring start followed by a limp surrender. There was a real end of season feeling to the match, tackling was optional for both sides and we scored 4 tries for the first time this season. A 24-6 lead at half-time looked comfortable but within five minutes of the second half, most of the lead was gone. With Junior Polu and Luke Braid off injured, our depth was exposed, the value of certain players is evident when they are absent. The Fan likes to make predictions and I predict that nobody on the pitch in the second half will be selected by the Chiefs – unless they are drafted from Taranaki.
So let’s not dwell too long on that game. Our season was finished by the unjust last minute try to Hawke’s Bay and our poor halves of rugby in Otago and North Harbour. A final position of seventh was about right for the Bay squad. With our best XV on the field, we are a match for any side but once we are weakened, especially in the forwards, the cracks start to show.
Here are the Fan’s 3 worst moments of the season.
3. The Bay lineout descending into a total shambles as the season progressed. Taranaki’s first try came from an overthrown lineout.
2. The wheels coming off in Otago and North Harbour. Both of these sides struggled all season but for 40 minutes we made them look like world beaters.
1. The referee’s minute of blindness coinciding with the conclusion of the game against Hawke’s Bay when he missed a knock-on and multiple infringements before they scored the winning try.
For some balance, here are the Fan’s 3 best moments.
3. Beating Waikato again. It is now 6 seasons since we last lost to them at NPC level.
2. Tearing Wellington apart on a wet night in Rotorua. A perfect game plan, perfectly executed.
1. Defeating Canterbury at last in an epic encounter at Baypark.
The playing stars this season were undoubtedly Mike Delany and Colin Bourke, this dynamic duo often saving the Bay at both ends of the pitch. Stepping up were Phil Burleigh, Culum Retallick, Luke Braid and Jason Hona. Hopefully all of them play for the Bay for years to come.
Consistency was shown by Tanerau Latimer, Junior Polu, Nigel Hunt, James McGougan, Joe Savage and John Moore. They are players who never let you down. Promise for the future was shown by Toby Arnold, Nick McCashin and the Hohnecks, Josh and Zac. Building the depth of the squad is essential if we are going to break through to the next level.
Who knows what next season will bring or even if we will still be in the top division. But whatever happens, let’s make sure the entrance prices are always great value and that the players stay on the ground after the final whistle to mingle with the fans.
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