It was a bitter Saturday evening as we headed over the Kaimais to support our boys in hostile enemy territory. We hadn’t lost to the Mooloo since 2003 and we knew that pride in the jersey could be the key to the game, that little bit of extra passion required when going was tough. Imagine the Fan’s surprise when we ran out wearing Auckland jerseys.

The only real Bay colours were sported by the Bay supporters that made the trip, the fans who actually value our traditions. I am well aware that we have to change our strip when we play in Taranaki or Dunedin but at all other times we should wear our traditional jerseys.

After the Fan boasted last week about the Bay's depth this season, it is clear that quality is more important than depth. Without the injured Mike Delany, there was no discernable pattern to our play and it was frustrating to see Mike on the touchline acting as waterboy when he could have been slotting the game-levelling kick. Hopefully the Bay is just having a slow start to the season and we will come on strong later in the season. We looked very flat considering that this was such a crucial game in a crucial season.

What of the newcomers? Taniela Moa worked hard but looked short of a game and was clearly outplayed by the outstanding Brendon Leonard. Moa also lacked protection at the rucks as many of the forwards lurked out in the backs.

Lelia Masaga put in a short cameo out on the right wing but never had enough good ball to impress. He was even crunched by Dwayne Sweeney which must have hurt his pride more than his body. The McQuoid and Mather midfield did not appear to gel and they struggled to cope with a potent Waikato centre pairing.

Our scrum woes continued from last season. Hopefully James McGougan is close to being fully fit and starting as we really need a solid platform to work from. The line-out was largely dysfunctional.
Watching the line-out practice before the game, Pareanga was over-throwing more often than not and this continued throughout the game.

Having just constructed the long list of grumbles above, the Fan wonders how we came so close to snatching a draw. The Waikato fans sitting around us were also depressed at the end of the game, despite their victory. They obviously expected better from their team, just as we did.

At least we have a bonus point in the bag and can head over to Napier with the memory of a recent victory over the black and whites. That other Bay managed to grab a late draw in Canterbury so they will be full of confidence on their home turf. Go the real Bay!