Bay of Plenty history details numerous battles that took place over the years – Another titanic battle took place at Murray Salt Stadium last night (7 May 2008) when the second game of the BOPRU Sub-Union series was fought out.

Defending Te Hurinui Apanui Shield holders Western Bay of Plenty, went into the match with their Central Bay counterparts, desperate for victory. After defeat by Eastern Bay the previous week - Western Bay had to defeat the Central team to have a theoretical chance of retaining the trophy.

Central went on the offensive from the opening whistle. Whakarewarewa stalwart Kelly Haimona took ownership of the first half for Central touching down then kicking the conversion. A Haimona penalty saw the visitors take a 10 nil lead into the break.

Early in the second spell Glen Martin crossed for the Rotorua side to put them firmly in control. Western Bay then got real urgency into their game and was rewarded with a try wide out to Toby Arnold. The Colin Bourke conversion from the sideline got the home team back into the match.

In spite of Western Bay making a series attacks on the line, the Central defense stood resolute to take out the encounter 15-7. The Central victory sets up the Te Hurinui Apanui decider next Wednesday (14 May 2008) - when Central host Eastern Bay of Plenty at the International Stadium in Rotorua,

Earlier in the evening the Western Bay Colts grabbed the Shalfoon Shield when they got past the Central Colts. Memories of last years 33-3 pasting were revisited by the home team when Central sliced through for an early converted try.

The Western Bay representatives took a narrow 12-7 lead in to the break to suggest the match was up for grabs. Two further tries in the second spell saw the home side take the encounter 24-7 and regain the Shalfoon Shield from Central.

The victory was achieved from a team that further stepped up another couple of notches from their first round win over Eastern Bay. Team management singled out the contributions of Tangaroa Walker and Matt Moore towards the victory.

2008 BOPRU Sub-Union Results 7 May 2008

Senior: Central BOP 15 (Kelly Haimona, Glen Martin tries; Kelly Haimona pen & con) Western BOP 7 (Toby Arnold try; Colin Bourke con)