The current Bay Steamers adage of “Bay Proud” was certainly on display at the Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday (9 August 2008) - when the Steamers out played and out classed Counties Manukau 45-3, in their second Air New Zealand Cup match of the season.

Going into the contest, most Bay supporters expected their team to win - but the surprise was the dominance displayed by the Steamers through out the encounter.

For the second week in a row, hooker John Paerenga grabbed the first Steamers try, when he crashed over half way through the first spell. Dynamic Steamers No 8 Colin Bourke touched down twice in the first spell - to lead the Steamers to a 23-3 advantage at the half time break.

Counties were counted out of the match immediately after half time - when the back line threw the ball around with abandon, for Jason Hona to grab a bonus point fourth try. Two tries to Zar Lawrence, and five points to skipper Tanerau Latimer rounded out a significant win.

Steamers Manager Sean Horan “the victory was achieved, because the Steamers were more accurate than the opposition, and took every opportunity that was offered”. “The platform for success was built upon the loose forward trio of Solomon King, Tanerau Latimer and Colin Bourke, who all had outstanding games”.

Horan said that the Steamers set piece moves were extremely solid allowing individual players to shine. “Solomon King’s work rate was outstanding, while Zar Lawrence at fullback gave the team real confidence on attack and defence”.

Steamers captain Tanerau Latimer, was singled out by Horan for the way he led from the front, and a very high tackle count. Another to have a grand game was Jamie Nutbrown, who gave his backs plenty of room, with his quick distribution of the ball from half back.

While the Steamers victory over Counties, wasn’t the most points scored against their rivals, it was the biggest winning margin. Saturdays forty-two point margin replaced the 51-21 win by the Steamers in 2004.

Bay of Plenty Steamers 45 (Colin Bourke 2, Zar Lawrence 2, John Paerenga, Jason Hona Tanerau Latimer tries; Mike Delany 2 pen con, Kelly Haimona con) Counties Manukau 3.