The 2010 PGG Wrightson BOPRU Sub-Union series was taken out by Western Bay of Plenty, when they annexed both the Senior representative and Colts deciders, against Central Bay of Plenty in Te Puke on Wednesday (9 June 2010) evening.

Central took the early advantage in the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield game, that would decide the tenure of the prestigious Sub-Union trophy for the next twelve months – when they crashed over for a try in the opening minutes of the encounter.

Sustained pressure from Western Bay resulted in three first half tries to the hosts, before a comeback touchdown to Central, saw the match up for grabs at the break with Western Bay leading 20-17.

An early second half penalty extended Western Bays advantage to six. While Central made a number of forays into the opposition half, the Western Bay defence held firm, The last quarter belonged to Western Bay as they ran in three further touchdowns to takeout the match 42-17.

Western Bay loose forward Sam Cane, who produced a robust performance, was rewarded with two tries, with Nick McCashin, Steven Honey, Josh Hall and Chris Elvin also dotting down. Jake Marsters and Kelly Haimona were awarded a try apiece for the visitors.

Western Bay of Plenty Colts took control of the first half of the curtain-raiser to decide the Shalfoon Shield, with tries to Andy Devoy and Ben Ward, to lead 18 nil at the break.

However a spirited reply from Central in the second half, resulted in the visitors applying sustained pressure for considerable periods. While Western Bay mistakes resulted in Courtney Mita kicking two penalty goals – Western Bay held on for an 18-6 victory.

A reward for outstanding play and leadership, during the two Western Bay of Plenty’s games in the Sub-Union series, saw the winning teams captain Aiden Kuka presented with the PGG Wrightson Player of the Series trophy.

PGG Wrightson Sub-Union Series Results 9 June 2010
Te Hurinui Apanui Shield
Western BOP 42 (Sam Cane 2, Nick McCashin, Steve Honey, Josh Hall, Chris Elvin tries; McCashin 2 pen 3 cons) Central BOP 17 (Jake Marsters, Kelly Haimona tries; Haimona 2 pens con) HT 20-17.

Shalfoon Shield
Western BOP 18 (Andy Devoy, Ben Ward tries; John Ririnui 2 pens con) Central BOP 6 (Courtney Mita 2 pens) HT 18-0.