Rugby: Steamers dedicate win to Jack

Siaosi Iongi of the Bay of Plenty Steamers. Photo / Getty Images

Bay of Plenty Steamers produced easily their best performance of the season in defeating Otago by 33-16 at ASB Baypark Stadium on Saturday.

The five tries-to-one victory has restored confidence in the team and pride in the jersey, after what has been a difficult season with just one other victory from nine games.

The Steamers have one game left against Waikato, in Hamilton on Thursday night, and a slim mathematical chance of making the ITM Championship semifinals if other results go their way.

Before the match against Otago, players from both sides and spectators paid tribute to 5-year-old Jack Dixon, who was swept out to sea off Shelly Beach on Wednesday just kilometres from the stadium.

A minute's silence was observed and the Steamers players also wore black arm bands on their jerseys. Hooker Joe Royal had Jack's name written on his wrist band.

First-five Dan Hollinshead, 19, who was one of the stars of the Steamers win, spoke eloquently on SKY TV after the match about the feeling in the camp.

"The community has had a bit of a tough time lately. All the boys were thinking about little Jack and his family out there, so we wanted to put in a good one for the community so they have something to smile about," said Hollinshead.

"It has been a tough time and we wanted to show we are behind them the whole way. Stay strong."

The Steamers played the game in an eye-catching alternative jersey designed by Kienan McCollum, 11, from Rotorua Intermediate. His was the winning entry from 75 submissions in a competition organised by Bay of Plenty Rugby.

"On the front of the jersey I have drawn the hills as an optical illusion to represent the mountains of the Bay of Plenty," said Kienan. "I have drawn a wave look to represent all the beaches around Bay of Plenty.

"I have drawn two koru patterns on the side of the jersey to represent Hinemoa and Tutanekai. I have drawn a heart at the top of the jersey which represents the love for Bay of Plenty. On the back of the jersey I have drawn loads of circular patterns, which represent the Rotorua mud pools and geothermal areas across the Bay."