BAY OF PLENTY UNDER 18 TEAM POST COMPREHENSIVE VICTORY ON THE ROAD
Media Release 20 September 2010
A comprehensive 36-13 victory over Northland in the far north, saw the Bay of Plenty Under 18 team keep intact their unbeaten record in the Northern Region competition. A double to Matt Axtens led the Bay of Plenty try scoring stakes, with the other Bay touchdowns awarded to Nathan Harris, Teimana Harrison, Mike Shaw and Jeff Thwaites.
The Under 18 representatives have posted a three from three win record. However the Bays side’s next two games will define their season, with Waikato at Blake Park on Wednesday (22 September 2010) followed by Auckland A next weekend.
In spite of running in three tries, the Bay of Plenty Development team were defeated 30-17 by Counties Manukau. The game that was originally scheduled as the Steamers curtain raiser on Sunday, was transferred to Blake Park.
The Bay second fifteen were competitive, however team management reported that several simple errors during the match cost the Bay team dearly. The Bay of Plenty tries were awarded to Trent Vatselais who touched down in the first half, with Wayne Hughson and Sikeli Vorenasu grabbing second half tries.
While the Bay of Plenty Under 20 representatives lost their match-up with Counties Manukau at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui - they came from behind in the match to hit the lead, before the visitors prevailed 27-25.
Counties held a narrow 15-11 lead at the half time break. The home side hit the front when Henry Kershaw crossed for the second Bay of Plenty touchdown. Counties came back with another try after their attack started behind their posts, before the third Bay of Plenty try awarded to Courtney Mohi put the Bay back in front.
A Counties attack late in the game saw the visitors score another touchdown, to lock the game up at 25 all, with the kick to come. However the Counties conversion sailed between the posts, to give them a narrow two point victory.
The Bay of Plenty Under 16 side were in the match with Auckland at the break, with the visitors holding a 14-7 advantage. The Bay try was a beauty with Mason Walker making a 60 metre solo break to score under the posts.
However Auckland upped the pressure in the second spell to take out the encounter 26-7. Saturdays results means that the Bay side will play off for fifth position at the Northern Region play offs in the Waikato next weekend.
BOPRU Representative Results 18/19 September 2010
Development: Counties Manukau 30 BOP 17 (Trent Vatselias, Wayne Hughson, Sekelei Vorenasu tries; Kelly Haimona con)
Under 20: Counties Manukau 27 BOP 25 (Andrew Tuise, Henry Kershaw, Courtney Mohi tries; Nick Evemy 2 pens 2 cons)
Under 18: BOP 36 (Matt Axtens 2, Nathan Harris, Teimana Harrison, Mike Shaw. Jeff Thwaites tries; James Wilbore 2 con, Te Aiha Toma con) Northland 13
Under 16: Auckland 26 BOP 7 (Mason Walker try; Josh Simpkins con)
