It was wonderful for Bay fans to see Mike Delany back in the 10 jersey and directing the game. It was no surprise that his goal-kicking radar was a little faulty, but by the end of the game his confidence had returned. The Fan started to feel comfortable with the Bay’s lead as Delany kicked Harbour back and he didn’t seem to be shirking contact which is also great news. The Delany/Burleigh combination gives us great flexibility. They can kick with both feet, throw a wide pass or take a gap.

Sunday’s rugby was very entertaining, partly due to some superb running but largely due to the inability of both sides to hold a defensive line. While it was pleasing to see the ease with which Burleigh and Mather were slicing through the Harbour midfield, our own defence was equally porous. The gaps were alarmingly wide at times and hopefully there will be some hard work at training this week.

As the Fan predicted last week, Lelia Masaga was primed and ready to hit top form and it arrived in the second half with his three tries. There was nothing particularly special about his tries but you could see his confidence returning as his defence improved and suddenly he was looking for the high ball and keen to run it back hard. Even his dance moves are improving.

The Bay line-out was a thing of beauty on Sunday. Even with two opposing jumpers lifted, the ball sailed just over their outstretched fingers into the safe hands of Colin Bourke at the back. It seems that our line-out is either dominating or a dud and some middle ground would be acceptable occasionally.

Similarly the scrum held its own all day so for once we were able to launch attacks from the base. A great move from Bourke to Braid set Mather free from our own 22 and he showed good pace to out flank McPhee leading to a try in the corner for Lance MacDonald.

Once again Glen Jackson found himself holding the flag at a Bay home game after being named as a reserve official. He was spotted accepting a lolly from a certain portly mascot while waiting for a TMO decision – the Fan hopes this did not affect his impartiality. With a falling crossbar injuring an opposing player and three Bay-based officials, we did our best to make Rotorua into a fortress.

We head down to Canterbury on Friday night, our visit coinciding with the Cantabs beginning to find some form. If a certain SBW does make his debut, then expect this game to be very well publicised. If he replaces the frightening Robbie Fruean, I will be delighted. What better time to sneak an away win. Go the Bay!