Tauranga children flock to pre-Steamers event

Payton Jackson, 9, ready for the Steamers v Otago match. Photo/George Novak

Tauranga children flooded Masonic Park and The Strand before the Steamers game against Otago despite the threat of rain.

About 200 children attended the Fans on Town event from 11am yesterday, where Circus In A Flash were showing off their skills and teaching tricks. Tauranga Samba also entertained the crowds.

Steamers fan Payton Jackson, 9, spent the morning at a party before heading to the pre-game event and onto the match.

The rugby enthusiast had gone to the Bay of Plenty verses Taranaki game and was looking forward to watching his team play against Otago.

Payton was going to the game with his family for Father's Day.

The Omokoroa No.1 school pupil said he liked to play half back, and his favourite Steamers player was Te Aihe Toma, "because he plays for the same team I play for, Te Puna".

Tauranga City Council event delivery co-ordinator Luke Schroder said the event had been "great".

"We scaled the event back because of the dodgy weather but it's been lovely, and really good to celebrate Father's Day," he said.