As opposed to the end of last year's Air New Zealand Cup when the Bay lineout resembled ``lob-and-hope', the '08 version looked on a different level at FMG Stadium in their first official pre-season game.

Hooker John Pareanga capped a fine game with pin-point throwing while locks Culum Retallick and John Moore helped the Bay secure all but one of their own throws while the side pinched 12 of Manawatu's.

That contributed to the five-tries-to-four effort and showed head coach Kevin Schuler there was promise in his squad which was without New Zealand Maori representatives Tanerau Latimer and Zar Lawrence.

``It's pretty clear there's a few `work ons' as well, but if you look at our lineout, there's a big tick there,' Schuler said.

The tries were shared around among the backs and forwards with prop Arden David scoring on debut, while Retallick and Kelly Haimona scored their first tries for the Bay at first-class level.

Both David and Retallick's came from driving play while Haimona _ who came from the bench into first-five during the second spell _ pocketed an intercept on halfway and out-paced the defence. Centre Cory Aporo scored the other two, the first as he hit and spun his way through Manawatu second-five Francis Bryant. The second was a simple 15m scoot down the short side. Haimona kicked the wide angled conversion before he made the result certain with his steal.

Good performances were also turned in by No 8 Colin Bourke and openside Luke Braid.

It wasn't perfect. A couple of tries were bombed and there were some moments of indecision on both attack and defence. at the breakdown Manawatu's Josh Bradnock pinched more ball than he was entitled to.

As well, the Steamers tried to play too much inside their own quarter and were harassed into costly mistakes. Apart from a few one-up missed tackles the defensive line was generally safe although more urgency is needed when the opposition breaks.

The team get another chance to continue their improvement next Friday when they play North Harbour at Baypark Stadium next Friday.

Scorers: Bay of Plenty 31 (Cory Aporo 2, Arden David, Culum Retallick, Kelly Haimona tries; Mike Delany 2 con, Haimona con) Manawatu 24 (Francisco Bosch, Mitchell Crosswell, Aaron Smith 2 tries; Matty James 2 con). HT 14-12.