My dad, brother and I still went and watched most Bay of Plenty home games at the Domain and saw the likes of Caleb Ralph come through the ranks and subsequently leave to Auckland, but still we supported and like true soldiers, the Bay boys battled their way through formidable second division teams such as the now defunct Central Vikings and Nelson Bays etc. So when the Bay finally won their chance to be in the first division again, there was elated celebration in our household. Our steamers just kept about their business and have made a fortress for themselves in the form of the new Baypark stadium which they were undefeated at as of the end of the 2003 season, touch wood, (preferably the Ranfurly shield).

Through thick and thin we have supported them and have never strayed too far from the sidelines, through the highs and the lows, the disgust of the recent Chiefs squad selections and the guts and the glory.

So why am I a big Steamers fan? It's not just the way that they tirelessly go about their business, killing the Goliaths of the first division with all the skill and guile of David and his sling, and it's not the just way the players are so down to earth that they come and drink in the bar with supporters after the game. I guess it is the grassroots feeling that the Bay still has about it despite its successes in the first division, while the Steamers might not have the money to throw around which bigger unions have, the players still seem to stay because there is a sense of pride in the team and the greater community, they aren't just a rugby team, they are OUR rugby team.

And that is why, no matter how many years I reside away from Tauranga soil, I will still be a big Steamers fan.