Since then I have followed the Bay with passion. There have been good times. I remember Hika Reid and Gary Braid on TV in 1983 mixing it up together for the All Blacks in the U.K. And Keith Quinn showering praise on the Bay of Plenty boys. I remember us earning our place as a solid mid table NPC team.  However, it’s true there have been dark times, and I’ve been tested. At times its been tough. Being defeated by those King Country pinecones and relegated to the second division for an entire 10 years was hard to stomach. Watching our prop Peter Kennedy cross the line in the shield challenge against Canterbury in 1984 and being denied what would have been a match winning try was hard to take.

Likewise watching us blow a 20 point lead over Eroni Clarke’s Auckland side. And seeing one of our own (dirty scumbag Matthew Carrington) kick us out of the game was hard. I almost cried, I didn’t. I held firm and I prayed. Eventually, I was living in London, as one does, and following the NPC on the internet when finally my prayers were answered, we had made it back into Division 1. This was a huge factor in my decision to come home.

I made it back in time for the nail biting 2001 season. The highlight being the game against Counties, when with 14 men we scored a 14 point intercept try courtesy of Glenn Jackson. Thus keeping our head above water. 2002 was also pretty tense and I’m still not happy with Steve Walsh’s refereeing in the Southland vs. Northland game at the end of the season. This shocker forcing yet another promotion/relegation game.

2003 however, was a dream season. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy. And now
things look really good. Even with the loss of Clayton McMillian, we have some class players, Jackson and Latu not the least of them. I think we have a great chance of taking the shield this year. I’ll be there with my Mum. Go the Bay!