Hawkes Bay deserved their 36-17 win over Bay of Plenty given a convincing second defence led by halfback Chris Eaton and first five-eighths Ihaia West.
The contest appeared to be usurped by the election for Hawkes Bay fan interest, judging by the empty seats.
Playing into a stiff first half wind which necessitated short lineouts, low tactical kicking and first receivers going into contact from the ruck and maul, Eaton and West gave the Magpies direction and leadership to secure a 14-3 half time advantage. The visitors couldn't capitalise afterwards and lost direction in the second half.
They weren't helped by ill-discipline, notably from skipper Culum Retallick, who was yellow-carded for a second high tackle as Eaton embarked on one of numerous sniping runs. The first high shot was marginal but the second was undeniable and the subsequent spoiling of Hawkes Bay ball smelt of professional foul. Michael Allardice's try was justice.
In the first half Bay of Plenty were also let down by 15 missed tackles, they lost turnovers 12-5, and completed one set of five-plus phases compared to the hosts' seven. A breakdown deficit of 72-17 drew attention as well and credit needs to go to openside flanker Tony Lamborn who stepped in to start at late notice for concussed skipper Brendon O'Connor.
Eaton was the busy beaver such blustery conditions require. He found his receivers efficiently, knew when to have a dart and was a determined tackler. He was like a toddler in a room full of Ming vases; Bay of Plenty couldn't afford to leave him alone for a moment once he had possession.
West kicked crucial first half points through three penalties (all attempts came with the old school support of a prone human ball-steadier to prevent a gust causing a calamity on the tee). His boot may as well have been called Alexander the Great the way it sought territory through his tactical kicking.
Richard Buckman and Robbie Fruean added value. Any time they had the ball inevitably bent the Steamers' defensive line. Buckman in particular had the momentum of an over-oiled roulette wheel.
Hawkes Bay coach Craig Philpott can also be proud of a disciplined group of forwards who made the advantage line their preferred destination. They were disrupted by a blip of silliness when Allardice held a tackler back which saw the television match official deny a Shannan Chase try.
The match dissolved into farce on a couple of occasions towards the end via some tepid dust-ups.
Bay of Plenty's attack suffered as the game wore on and left an impression of stagnation when the team spread across the field receiving passes from little depth. There was brief respite when surges saw Maritino Nemani and Jesse Acton create some space late for Bay of Plenty.
- by Andrew Alderson
