Steamers start with a win
Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:10
There was quiet air of satisfaction on the bus home from Palmerston North after the Bay Steamers had defeated Manawatu 31-24 in a pre-season game at the weekend.
The Steamers took the game to the opposition from the opening whistle, to lead 14-nil after twenty minutes. A Manawatu comeback late in the first spell, saw the home side touch down twice to see a 14-12 advantage to the Steamers at the break.
Manawatu stormed back into the match early in the second spell, to score a try and take the lead, for the only time in the match.
As the second half unfolded the Steamers again established domination in the set pieces, which resulted in three further tries.
A consolation try to the home team late in the game saw the match finish, with the Steamers taking out the encounter 31-24.
Cory Aporo led the way in the try scoring stakes with two touchdowns.
Testament to the forward contributions during the encounter was tries awarded to prop Arden Davis and the Steamers big man Culum Rettalick. Kelly Haimona who came off the bench in the second spell, scored a try and added a conversion, with Mike Delany also kicking two conversions.
Steamers Manager Sean Horan said: "That the set piece work by the Steamers was very good.
"The forwards dominated the scrums and line-outs especially in the opening twenty minutes and the last quarter."
The win will give the local side plenty of quiet confidence, as they prepare for their second pre-season match against North Harbour at Baypark on Friday.
Scorers:
Bay of Plenty Steamers:
Tries: Aporo 2, David, Rettalick, Haimona
Cons: Delany 2, Haimona
Manawatu:
TBC
Teams:
Steamers squad:
Forwards: John Pareanga, Marcel Cummings-Toone, James McGougan, Matthew Wallis, Joseph Savage, Arden David, Culum Rettalick, John Moore, Josh Katene-Roberts, Aiden Kuka, Solomon King, Colin Bourke, Luke Braid, Tanerau Latimer (captain).
Backs: Jamie Nutbrown (vice-captain), Josh Hall, Mike Delany, Kelly Haimona, Paula Asaeli, Cory Aporo, Jason Hona, Teu Nafe, Lance McDonald, Toby Arnold.
Manawatu Turbos: 15 Fransisco Bosch, 14 Aaron James, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Francis Bryant, 11 Lote Raikabula, 10 Matty James, 9 Aaron Good, 8 Nick Crosswell, 7 Josh Bradnock (captain), 6 Hamish Gosling, 5 Adaam Ross, 4 Paul Rodgers, 3 Talau Hala, 2 Rob Foreman, 1 Grant Polson.
Replacements: 16 Kurt Baker, 17 David Te Moana, 18 Sean O'Connor, 19 Mitchell Crosswell, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Toese Lealamanua, 22 Frazer Stone.
