There was only one topic of conversation at Baypark on Thursday night. Was it wetter than the Auckland game? Those of you who had braved Baypark a few weeks ago would not have thought it possible but the fickle weather gods showed that they can always surpass their greatest work.

Memories of our epic dumbness against Auckland were haunting me as we kicked off and for 20 minutes it seemed we were heading down the same frustrating road. There were aimless kicks made, soft penalties given away and then somebody hit the “wet weather rugby with flair” switch and we blasted Manawatu off the park.

Suddenly the forwards were moving forwards, the ball was being retained and small backline dabs were stretching the defence.  The mighty Bay machine moved inexorably towards the Manawatu line and Tristan Moran bagged a brace from close range and just missed out on a hat-trick of tries. His second was a thing of beauty, a rolling maul from 20 metres out and the finest example I have seen the Bay produce in recent years.

Delany’s delicate grubber for Aporo’s perfect hands ended the first half in style and Masaga bounced off four defenders right after half-time to end the match as a contest.

It was great to finally see our Tasman recruits start a game together and they were both mightily impressive. The Bay scrum worked well, the line-out was very solid and both Perrin and Moran did their share of work on an impressive night for all the forwards.

The Fan’s star man was Chad Tuoro at half-back. Taniela Moa is a much more famous name (and a much bigger man) but Tuoro controlled the game beautifully and delivered crisp, decisive service to the forwards and to Mike Delany. He was involved in the close-quarter stuff, made his share of tackles and he looks like a useful acquisition.

It is easy to forget the importance of Tanerau Latimer to the Bay team. He rarely grabs the headlines as he is buried in every ruck but his workrate is astonishing and was even more vital on Thursday with young Sam Cane going off early and Luke Braid out injured. Although still only 24, he plays like a grizzled veteran and while he might struggle to crack the All Blacks squad again, the Bay will continue to benefit from his omission.

The BOP Union’s coffers must be somewhat empty after the two Baypark washouts so a sunny Sunday would be appreciated for the visit of Counties-Manukau. They are an entertaining outfit and this could be your last chance to see rugby legend Tana Umaga play live. The Fan still remembers Tana signing autographs at Baypark in 2004 long after every other player had left the field. A win for the Bay would take us above Counties so come along and support the boys. Go the Bay!