The Bay of Plenty Steamers won their first warm-up encounter of the 2010 season, when they defeated the Manawatu Turbo’s in Reporoa, on Friday (9 July 2010) afternoon.

The opening Steamers try came early in the encounter, when halfback Chad Tuoro crossed for the first of five Steamers touchdowns. More pressure from the home side resulted in Ben Smith and Grant McQuoid crossing for further tries.

With Dan Waenga converting all three tries, the Steamers led 21-3 at the half time break. The visitor’s points came from a penalty from Craig Clare.

Halfway through the second spell, replacement back Phil Burleigh finished of a Steamers back line movement to cross for the Steamers fourth try, with Nick McCashin slotting the conversion.

Ten minutes later Manawatu half back Karl Bryson scored the visitors only try, which was converted by Tomasi Cama.

With full time approaching the Steamers were still testing the opposition line, and were rewarded when Lance MacDonald stolled over, for his sides fifth touchdown. With the conversion from Nick McCashin sailing between the uprights – the referee called full time with the scoreboard showing that the Steamers had triumphed 35-10.

A real pleasing feature of the Steamers victory was the pin point goal kicking. Five from five conversions successes from Dan Waenga and Nick McCashin, augurs well for the teams ITM Cup campaign.

The Steamers squad will have little time for rest as they turn their attention to the next pre-season encounter on Wednesday (14 July 2010). The Hawkes Bay Magpies in Napier are next on the list, as the Bay of Plenty team prepares for the rigors of the ITM Cup.

Result
BOP Steamers 35 (Chad Tuoro, Grant McQuoid, Ben Smith, Phil Burleigh, Lance MacDonald; Dan Waenga 3 cons, Nick McCashin 2 con) Manawatu 10 (Karl Byden try; Tomasi Cama con, Craig Clare pen)

2010 Steamers Pre-Season Games
14 July v Hawkes Bay at Napier
23 July v Taranaki at Whakatane