Welcome to the new, super concentrated ITM Cup. On the first weekend, some of the games were surprisingly good while others were best forgotten. The Bay's narrow win over Counties-Manukau would fall into the latter category  but for we one-eyed Steamers fans, a win is a win and any other cliches you can come up with.

It is pleasant to visit Pukekohe for a game of rugby, there is a relaxed family atmosphere and Hori BOP was back in his rightful spot on the sidelines. His vuvuzelas returned in a retro move recalling 2010. While we are now considered the big cheeses in the Premier Division, we only just made the Top 7 last season and Counties only just missed out so a close game was to be expected.

It was a classic early season game, bags of enthusiasm and snatches of quality mixed in with errors and a whistle happy referee. He certainly caned us in the second half, awarding a string of breakdown penalties to Counties but fortunately the Counties line-out fell apart and they were unable to take advantage.

The Fan rarely praises Waikato in this column but we all have two reasons to thank them. Firstly our good friend and now ex-Chiefs coach Ian Foster left Culum Retallick kicking his heels all season and therefore fresh to tear into the Steelers on Sunday. His work at the lineout was excellent as always and he was seen regularly with ball in hand. On his 50th appearance in Bay colours he made one loping gallop up field that looked to be in slow motion when shown in real time, yet the chasers couldn't haul him in. If I ever get a pet giraffe, I'm calling it Culum.

The second reason to thank Waikato is for allowing David Bason to move north along State Highway One. The half-back butchered a certain try that would have brought the scores level, dummying the pass to the man who couldn't fail to score and being swallowed up by the cover defence. Counties never seriously threatened after that although the Bay couldn't seal the points needed to allow some relaxation amongst the supporters.

Of the Bay newcomers, Steve Kefu wasn't given much chance to show what he can do and Bronson Murray came on as a late substitute. Also sighted briefly was Leon Power who is a seriously large unit in the second row.

The Bay now enters a condensed period of three home games in eight days that should decide which end of the table we will occupy. North Harbour visit Baypark on Saturday and these are usually high scoring games. Last year we injured Matt Luamanu before the game when a dodgy crossbar fell on his head, hopefully we have another trick up our sleeve to halt the beast on Saturday.

Three days later we are in action again in chilly Rotorua against our good friends from over the Kaimais. With Wellington at Baypark the following Sunday, the Fan may finally be able to answer the crucial question. Is it possible to watch too much rugby? Go the Bay!